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Prior to 1940, people thought sharks were big cowards, and could be scared off easily by yelling at them or punching them, however, after many soldiers were killed by shark attacks, the military started studying sharks and the causes for shark attacks. The study of sharks has continued over many years. .
Scientists have tried to learn more about sharks, so they could understand their habits. Experts have tried to determine why sharks attack when they do, why they are so aggressive, and how to prevent shark attacks. The International Shark Attack File (ISAF), now at the Museum of History in Gainesville, Florida, at the University of Florida, came about because of the research done on sharks and shark attacks in the 1940's and 1950's. The ISAF used to be at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. and was originally created by the military to keep track of the soldiers lost in battle due to shark attacks. Initially the shark attacks were divided into five categories; unprovoked attacks, provoked attacks, doubtful attacks, air and sea disasters, and boat attacks. Until the shark attack files were examined carefully, it was once believed that a shark's hunger drive was the reason for many attacks. It appears that is not the case. Over many years, scientists have lear!.
ned a great deal about the habits of sharks and why sharks are able to survive the way they do. Their survival depends a great deal on their senses. .
Sharks have very sharp senses that help them hunt down their prey, and may explain their aggressiveness towards people and their prey. "Sharks have incredibly acute smelling. By some, they are nicknamed "swimming noses. Nostrils on each side of the face are there to pinpoint the location of the smell" (Hall 42). Sharks, at close range are very sensitive to odors, especially blood that may be coming from an injured fish at the bottom of the ocean. The shark will find it quickly and get rid of the dead or injured fish.
