Sharks
Sharks. Class Chondrichthyes. skeletons made up entirely of cartilage cartilage contains thousands of minute prisms containing mineral that strengthens bones (hydroxyapatite) distinctive teeth, highly resistant to decay. Order Carcharhiniformes. “ Ground Sharks ” nictitating eyelids present
Sharks
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Presentation Transcript
Class Chondrichthyes • skeletons made up entirely of cartilage • cartilage contains thousands of minute prisms containing mineral that strengthens bones (hydroxyapatite) • distinctive teeth, highly resistant to decay
Order Carcharhiniformes • “Ground Sharks” • nictitating eyelids present • mouth behind front of eyes • five pairs of gill slits • anal fin present
Family Carcharhinidae • head “normal” without lateral expansions • first dorsal fin originates in front of pelvic fins • anal fin trailing margin strongly concave
Tiger Shark (Galeocerdocuvier) • snout very short, bluntly squared-off • upper lobe of caudal fin very long, sharply pointed • pigmentation pattern: dark spots/vertical bars on back and flanks
Tiger Shark (Galeocerdocuvier) • electromagnetic receptors, Ampullae of Lorenzini • lateral line reads vibrations in water, movement of animals nearby • 2nd most attacks on humans, behind great white
Family Sphyrnidae • head with lateral, canard-like extensions • pelvic fins triangular
Scalloped Hammerhead (Sphyrnalewini) • head,hammer-narrow and broadly arched with prominent indentations at each nare and the midline • pelvic fins triangular • first dorsal fin origin over or slightly behind pectoral axil
Scalloped Hammerhead (Sphyrnalewini) • tends to form huge schools • hammer enhances senses of smell, electroreception, lift and maneuverability • prevents 3D vision and jaw protrusion