A Hip Hop Little in scuba gear points at a smiling shark on a coral reef.

Animals & Nature

Do sharks have bones?

Nope! Sharks do not have bones. Instead, their skeletons are made of a strong, flexible material called cartilage.

What is cartilage?

Cartilage is a strong and flexible material (not bone!). You have cartilage too! Gently touch the tip of your nose or wiggle your ears. That’s cartilage!

Why is cartilage special?

Cartilage is lighter and more flexible than bone. It helps sharks bend, twist, and move smoothly through the water as they swim. This makes them fast, strong, and great hunters!

Did you know?

Sharks can have thousands of teeth in their lifetime! When they lose a tooth, another one can grow in to replace it.

Little questions, big discoveries!

There are so many amazing things to learn about animals, the ocean, and our world. Keep asking questions and keep exploring with the Hip Hop Littles!