Shark Classification and SC Regulations

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the classification of sharks?

Class Reptilia

Order Carcharhiniformes (correct)

Phylum Arthropoda

Kingdom Animalia (correct)

What is the phylum classification for sharks?

Chordata

What is the subphylum classification for sharks?

Vertebrata

What class do sharks belong to?

Chondrichthyes Signup and view all the answers

What is the order classification for most sharks?

Carcharhiniformes Signup and view all the answers

What are the major species in Family Carcharhinidae?

Bull, Blacktip, Sandbar, Blacknose, Tiger, Lemon Sharks Signup and view all the answers

How long can a Bull shark grow?

8 feet Signup and view all the answers

Bull sharks can survive in both salt and freshwater.

True Signup and view all the answers

What type of shark is known for a very high first dorsal fin?

Sandbar Shark Signup and view all the answers

What does the Tiger shark prefer to eat?

Sea turtles Signup and view all the answers

What is the distinguishing feature of Lemon sharks?

Yellowish-brown Signup and view all the answers

Which family includes hammerheads?

Family Sphyrnidae Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable feature of the Great hammerhead?

Largest of the 9 species of hammerheads Signup and view all the answers

Which family includes the Manta Ray?

Family Mobulidae Signup and view all the answers

Which shark species is known as the fastest swimmer?

Shortfin Mako Signup and view all the answers

What type of prey does the Goblin shark catch?

Mouth extends forward to catch prey Signup and view all the answers

What species is known as a 'man-eater' and 'boat biter'?

Great White Signup and view all the answers

Are all sharks carnivores?

False Signup and view all the answers

What is shark fin soup?

A dish made from shark fins, often associated with Chinese cuisine Signup and view all the answers

What shark species is the most dangerous?

Bull shark Signup and view all the answers

How many eyes remain open when sharks sleep?

Both eyes Signup and view all the answers

Which shark species does not have to swim continuously?

Nurse shark Signup and view all the answers

Which shark species has baby sharks that develop in a Mermaid's purse?

Dogfish shark Signup and view all the answers

Why is a whale shark called a whale shark if it is a shark?

It is called a whale shark because of its size and filter-feeding behavior. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Shark Classification

Sharks belong to Kingdom Animalia and Phylum Chordata.
Subphylum is Vertebrata; Class is Chondrichthyes, which includes sharks and rays.
Most sharks fall under the Order Carcharhiniformes, while most rays belong to Rajiformes.

Key Shark Families

Family Carcharhinidae: Includes species such as Bull, Blacktip, Sandbar, Blacknose, Tiger, and Lemon sharks.
Family Sphyrnidae: Contains hammerhead sharks; known for intelligence and keen smell; primarily eat stingrays.
Family Dasyatidae: Home to Southern Stingrays, which often hide in soft seabed sediments.
Family Mobulidae: Includes Manta Ray, notable for its size and filter-feeding habits.
Family Myliobatidae: Includes Spotted Eagle and Cownose Rays.
Family Rajidae: Known for Skates.
Family Alopiidae: Features Thresher Sharks, known for their long tails used for stunning prey.
Family Pristiophoridae: Includes the Sawshark, characterized by its dorsal fins.
Family Lamnidae: Contains Great White sharks, infamous for aggressiveness and predatory behavior.
Family Cetorhinidae: Includes Basking Sharks, recognized for their plankton-filtering gill rakers.
Family Scyliorhinidae: Home to Cat Sharks, which have distinctive dorsal fin structures.
Family Squalidae: Includes Spiny Dogfish, known for dorsal spines.
Family Isuridae: Houses the Shortfin Mako, recognized as the fastest shark.
Family Scapanorhynchidae: Includes Goblin Sharks, noted for their unique forward-extending mouths.

Characteristics of Notable Shark Species

Bull Shark: Reaches up to 8 feet; adaptable to salt and freshwater environments.
Blacktip Shark: A reef shark species.
Sandbar Shark: Characterized by a high first dorsal fin; prefers sandy, shallow waters.
Blacknose Shark: Identified by a dark blotch at the snout tip.
Tiger Shark: Known for eating sea turtles; referred to as "garbage disposal of the sea."
Lemon Shark: Can grow up to 10 feet; has a yellowish-brown coloration and feeds on crustaceans.
Great White Shark: Aggressive; feeds on marine mammals and is considered a "man-eater."
Basking Shark: Filters plankton while lying motionless at the surface.

Additional Facts

Sharks possess cartilaginous skeletons rather than bony structures.
Not all sharks are carnivorous; most are, but there are exceptions.
Shark fin soup is a traditional Chinese dish involving shark fin, often associated with luxury.
While sleeping, sharks keep both eyes open, relying on a mechanism to continue swimming.
Species like the Nurse Shark can remain stationary and do not need to swim continuously.
The Bull Shark is classified as one of the most dangerous to humans.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the classification system of sharks through this flashcard quiz. Learn about the various taxonomic ranks, from Kingdom to Class, and understand their significance in marine biology. This quiz is essential for students studying marine life and conservation laws.