Some sharks bristle with more than just primal aggression when hunting their prey at high speed. The Shortfin Mako shark uses flexible scales on its body that allow it to pull off tight underwater turns during high-speed pursuits, according to researchers.

The teeth-like scales help control flow separation – a phenomenon where turbulence and differences in pressure can cause drag that slows down a fast-moving body such as an airplane, or a hungry shark. Controlling the flow separation allows Mako sharks to move in for the kill at speeds of possibly up to 60 mph (97 kph).