Why do sharks store oil in their livers?

[lwptoc]

Introduction: The Mysterious Liver Oil of Sharks

Shark liver oil is a fascinating substance that has captivated the attention of scientists and health enthusiasts alike. It is a unique oil that is stored in the liver of certain species of sharks, and has a long history of use in traditional medicine. However, despite its popularity, many people remain unaware of the reasons behind its storage in the liver, and the role it plays in the survival of these apex predators.

Anatomy of a Shark Liver: Understanding the Oil Storage

Shark livers are unique in that they are extremely large and can account for up to 25% of the animal’s total body weight. This is because the liver is responsible for many essential functions, such as filtering out toxins and storing energy in the form of lipids. In the case of sharks, however, their livers also serve another important purpose – they store oil.

The oil that is stored in the shark’s liver is known as squalene, and is structurally similar to the oil that is found in the sebaceous glands of human skin. Squalene is a natural compound that is often used in cosmetics, but it also serves as a valuable source of energy for sharks, particularly during long periods of fasting. Because sharks are apex predators, they often consume large quantities of food in a single feeding, and the energy they obtain from this food is stored in their liver as squalene. This allows them to survive for extended periods without food, and also helps to maintain their buoyancy in the water.