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SmellLike you, a shark has nostrils. Unlike you, a shark uses its nostrils for smell only (not to smell and breathe, like you). A shark's nostrils are usually located on the underside of the snout. As it swims, water is forced through the nostrils, and particles in the water trigger signals that are sent to the brain. A shark's sense of smell is many times stronger than a human's. Sharks can detect the scent of prey that are up to several hundred yards away, depending on the speed and direction of the water current. Some sharks can smell as few as 10 drops of liquid tuna in the volume of water it takes to fill an average swimming pool! (back to diagram) Cocos Island | Sharkmasters | World of Sharks | Dispatches E-mail | Resources | Site Map | Sharks Home Editor's Picks | Previous Sites | Join Us/E-mail | TV/Web Schedule | About NOVA Watch NOVAs online | Teachers | Site Map | Shop | Search | To Print PBS Online | NOVA Online | WGBH © | Updated June 2002 |