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Sharks are slightly heavier than water, so they naturally tend to sink. Buoyancy or lift is provided in two ways. First, sharks store large quantities of oil in their liver. Because oil is less dense than water, storing this oil decreases the overall density of the shark, and increases its buoyancy. Second, as a shark swims, its pectoral fins provide lift, in much the same way the wings of an airplane does. If a shark stops swimming it will sink, but its stored oil and relatively light skeleton help it to float and decreases the amount of energy that must be expended on swimming.

Read more: Sharks - Locomotion And Buoyancy - Water, Oil, Caudal, and Swimming - JRank Articles http://science.jrank.org/pages/6112/Sharks-Locomotion-buoyancy.html#ixzz2S6ZbwMcg

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