Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the smallest size of a shark?
What is the smallest size of a shark?
What is the purpose of dermal denticles in sharks?
What is the purpose of dermal denticles in sharks?
What is unique about the teeth of the frilled shark?
What is unique about the teeth of the frilled shark?
How can snout shape and size be used in sharks?
How can snout shape and size be used in sharks?
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What is a characteristic of the jaws of the tiger shark?
What is a characteristic of the jaws of the tiger shark?
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What is the largest size of a shark?
What is the largest size of a shark?
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Study Notes
Physical Characteristics of Shark Differentiation
Body Shape and Size
- Sharks exhibit a range of body shapes and sizes, from the small dwarf lanternshark (Etmopterus perryi) to the massive whale shark (Rhincodon typus)
- Body shapes vary from slender and streamlined to stout and broad
- Size ranges from approximately 20 cm (8 in) to over 20 meters (66 ft) in length
Dermal Denticles
- Sharks have dermal denticles, tooth-like scales that provide protection and reduce drag
- Denticles vary in shape, size, and arrangement between species
- Denticles can be:
- Pointed and sharp (e.g., spiny dogfish, Squalus acanthias)
- Flat and plate-like (e.g., wobbegong shark, Orectolobus maculatus)
- Hook-like (e.g., tiger shark, Galeocerdo cuvier)
Snout Shape and Size
- Snout shapes range from pointed and conical to broad and rounded
- Snout size varies from short and blunt to long and pointed
- Snout shape and size can be used to identify shark species (e.g., hammerhead sharks, Sphyrna spp.)
Teeth and Jaws
- Sharks have unique tooth morphology and arrangement
- Teeth can be:
- Triangular and pointed (e.g., great white shark, Carcharodon carcharias)
- Flat and plate-like (e.g., wobbegong shark, Orectolobus maculatus)
- Comb-like (e.g., frilled shark, Chlamydoselachus anguineus)
- Jaws vary in size and shape, with some species having powerful, massive jaws (e.g., tiger shark, Galeocerdo cuvier)
Physical Characteristics of Sharks
Body Shape and Size
- Sharks exhibit a wide range of body shapes and sizes, from the small dwarf lanternshark (20 cm/8 in) to the massive whale shark (over 20 meters/66 ft)
- Body shapes vary from slender and streamlined to stout and broad
Dermal Denticles
- Sharks have tooth-like scales called dermal denticles, which provide protection and reduce drag
- Denticles vary in shape, size, and arrangement between species, including:
- Pointed and sharp (spiny dogfish, Squalus acanthias)
- Flat and plate-like (wobbegong shark, Orectolobus maculatus)
- Hook-like (tiger shark, Galeocerdo cuvier)
Snout Shape and Size
- Snout shapes range from pointed and conical to broad and rounded
- Snout size varies from short and blunt to long and pointed
- Snout shape and size aid in identifying shark species, such as hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna spp.)
Teeth and Jaws
- Sharks have unique tooth morphology and arrangement
- Teeth vary in shape, including:
- Triangular and pointed (great white shark, Carcharodon carcharias)
- Flat and plate-like (wobbegong shark, Orectolobus maculatus)
- Comb-like (frilled shark, Chlamydoselachus anguineus)
- Jaws vary in size and shape, with some species having powerful, massive jaws (tiger shark, Galeocerdo cuvier)
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Description
Explore the diverse physical characteristics of sharks, including body shape and size, and dermal denticles. Learn about the unique features of these ocean predators.
