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Questions and Answers
What is the smallest size of a shark?
What is the purpose of dermal denticles in sharks?
What is unique about the teeth of the frilled shark?
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?
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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.
