Can a cookie cutter shark bite through a submarine?

Can a Cookie Cutter Shark Bite Through a Submarine?

The cookie cutter shark (Isistius brasiliensis) is a unique and fascinating species of shark that has gained attention for its remarkable ability to cut through flesh and other materials with its distinctive jaws. But the question remains: can a cookie cutter shark bite through a submarine?

About the Cookie Cutter Shark

Before we dive into the main question, let’s take a closer look at the cookie cutter shark itself. This species of shark is found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world, and is known for its distinctive unique jaw structure. The shark’s jaws are designed with a pair of sharp, serrated teeth that are used to cut out circular plugs of flesh from its prey. This behavior is known as "biological sampling," and is a unique way for the shark to feed.

The Shark’s Biting Power

So, just how powerful is a cookie cutter shark’s bite? According to some studies, a cookie cutter shark can exert a bite force of up to 200 pounds per square inch (psi). To put this in perspective, a human bite force is typically around 150-200 psi. This means that a cookie cutter shark has a significantly stronger bite force than a human, and is capable of cutting through a variety of materials.

Submarine Construction

Now, let’s take a look at the construction of a submarine. Submarines are made of high-strength steel, which is designed to withstand the pressures of the deep ocean. The hull of a submarine is typically made up of multiple layers of steel, with a thick layer of steel on the outside to protect against damage from the surrounding water.

Can a Cookie Cutter Shark Bite Through a Submarine?

So, can a cookie cutter shark bite through a submarine? The answer is no, at least not in the sense that the shark would be able to cut through the hull of the submarine. The bite force of a cookie cutter shark, while impressive, is not strong enough to penetrate the thick steel hull of a submarine.

But What About the Propellers and Other Vulnerable Areas?

While the cookie cutter shark may not be able to bite through the hull of a submarine, there are other areas that it could potentially target. For example, the propellers and rudder of a submarine are typically made of a thinner material, and could potentially be damaged by a cookie cutter shark.

Table: Comparison of Shark Bite Force and Submarine Materials

Conclusion

In conclusion, while a cookie cutter shark may be able to bite through some materials, it is unlikely to be able to bite through the hull of a submarine. The shark’s bite force, while impressive, is not strong enough to penetrate the thick steel hull of a submarine. However, there are other areas that the shark could potentially target, such as the propellers and rudder.