Basking Sharks: Giants of the Ocean

The video discusses the fascinating nature of basking sharks, their historical importance to Irish coastal communities, and the threats they face, such as overfishing and finning. It highlights conservation efforts and research, including tagging and genetic studies, to understand their behavior and population. Innovative sampling techniques, like collecting slime, are explored to gather genetic data, emphasizing the need for more samples to assess their conservation status.

What is the primary diet of basking sharks?

• Crustaceans

• Seaweed

• Plankton

• Small fish

Why were basking sharks historically important to Irish coastal communities?

• For their meat

• For their liver oil

• For their fins

• For their bones

What was a major threat to basking sharks worldwide?

• Climate change

• Overfishing

• Pollution

• Finning

What is one reason basking sharks are considered good indicators of climate change?

• They migrate long distances

• They are sensitive to water temperature

• They have a long lifespan

• They feed on plankton

What is the conservation status of basking sharks according to the IUCN?

• Least Concern

• Endangered

• Critically Endangered

• Vulnerable

What surprising discovery was made about the genetic diversity of basking sharks?

• They have no genetic diversity

• They have low genetic diversity

• Their genetic diversity is increasing

• They have high genetic diversity

What method was used to tag basking sharks for research?

• Using a net

• Using a drone

• Using a beachcaster rod

• Using a crossbow

What innovative tool was used to collect genetic samples from basking sharks?

• A fishing net

• A drone

• A crossbow

• A mop handle

Why is it important to determine the gender of basking sharks during sampling?

• To help in genetic analysis

• To track migration routes

• To ensure equal sampling

• To understand breeding patterns

What is the estimated effective population size of basking sharks worldwide?

• 50,000

• 20,000

• 8,200

• 5,000