Shark Reproduction and Development

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Questions and Answers

A shark species is found to have embryos developing inside eggs that hatch within the mother's uterus, with the young being nourished by the egg yolk. Which reproductive strategy does this shark employ?

  • Oviparous
  • Ovoviviparous (correct)
  • Parthenogenesis
  • Viviparous

In which reproductive strategy do shark embryos receive nourishment directly from the mother's bloodstream via a yolk sac placenta?

  • Viviparity (correct)
  • Ovoviviparity
  • Asexual reproduction
  • Oviparity

If a shark egg hatches outside the mother's body, which reproductive strategy is being used?

  • Ovoviviparous
  • Asexual
  • Viviparous
  • Oviparous (correct)

What is the function of the cloaca in sharks?

<p>It serves as a common opening for the reproductive, excretory, and digestive systems. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A biologist discovers a new shark species. Upon examination, it's found that the embryos develop in eggs inside the mother, but they are not nourished by her directly. How would this shark's reproductive strategy be classified?

<p>Ovoviviparous (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A marine researcher is studying a population of sharks and observes that the females lay eggs that are then attached to seaweed. What reproductive strategy are those sharks employing?

<p>Oviparity (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key difference between ovoviviparity and viviparity in sharks?

<p>The source of nutrition for the developing embryo (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How might environmental changes affecting yolk sac quality most directly impact shark populations?

<p>Decreased survival rates of ovoviviparous species (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which sharks would be most affected by a disease targeting the placenta?

<p>Viviparous sharks (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a specific toxin accumulates in the yolk of shark eggs, which reproductive strategy would lead to the greatest exposure of the developing embryo to this toxin?

<p>Ovoviviparity (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A researcher is investigating the evolutionary relationships among different shark species. Which of the following reproductive traits would provide the strongest evidence that two shark species are closely related?

<p>Shared viviparous reproductive strategy with similar placental structures (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of shark reproduction, what is the significance of internal fertilization?

<p>It provides a higher rate of fertilization success in the aquatic environment. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the oviparous reproductive strategy potentially benefit shark populations in unstable environments?

<p>It allows for dispersal of offspring to different locations. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a potential disadvantage of viviparity for sharks compared to oviparity?

<p>Higher energy investment by the mother (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A scientist discovers a new species of shark that exhibits a mix of reproductive strategies, utilizing oviparity in some years and ovoviviparity in others. What evolutionary pressure might lead to such a mixed strategy?

<p>Fluctuating environmental conditions favoring different strategies (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the cloaca’s function in sharks differ from that in mammals?

<p>Mammals have a separate opening for each system, while sharks have a common opening. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios would most likely lead to the evolution of viviparity from oviparity in a shark population?

<p>Increased predation pressure on shark eggs (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What impact does the presence of a cloaca have on the potential for reproductive isolation in sharks?

<p>It has minimal impact on reproductive isolation. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a shark species that exhibits viviparity, what might be the consequence of a genetic mutation that impairs the function of the yolk sac placenta?

<p>The embryos would likely suffer from malnutrition and reduced survival rates. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Considering the different reproductive strategies of sharks, which strategy would be the most energy-intensive for the mother?

<p>Viviparity (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Oviparous Sharks

Embryos develop inside eggs that hatch outside the mother's body.

Ovoviviparous Sharks

Embryos develop within the uterus, nourished by the egg yolk, and are born live.

Viviparous Sharks

Embryos develop within the uterus and are nourished through a yolk sac placenta from the mother's blood, resulting in live birth.

Cloaca

A common cavity at the end of the digestive tract for the release of excretory and genital products

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Study Notes

  • Shark eggs undergo internal fertilization.
  • Embryonic development varies:

Oviparous

  • Eggs hatch externally.

Ovoviviparous

  • Embryo develops in the uterus.
  • Nourishment is derived from the egg yolk.

Viviparous

  • Embryo develops in the uterus.
  • Nourishment comes via a yolk sac placenta connected to the mother's blood supply.
  • The reproductive, excretory, and digestive systems converge into a cloaca.

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