Sharks Taxonomy Flashcards

Study Notes

Sharks Taxonomy Overview

Modern classification includes Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Subphylum: Vertebrata, Class: Chondrichthyes, and Subclass: Elasmobranchii.
Superorder comprises 4 distinct orders, while the overall classification has 13 orders, 57 families, 174 genera, and approximately 1050 species.

Orders of Sharks

Hexanchiformes: Cow and frilled sharks; characterized by a single dorsal fin without spine and six to seven gill slits; includes four families and five species.
Squaliformes: Dogfish sharks; notable for two dorsal fins, usually with spines and presence of spiracles; seven families and 98 species exist.
Pristiophoriformes: Sawsharks; recognized by a flattened, saw-like rostrum featuring rostral teeth and barbels; one family with five species.
Squantiniformes: Angel sharks; have dorsoventrally flattened bodies and hypocercal caudal fins; one family with 15 species.
Heterodontiformes: Bullhead sharks; defined by two dorsal fins with spines and an anal fin; one family with eight species.
Orectolobiformes: Carpet sharks; lack a saw-like snout and have barbels present; seven families, 31 species.
Lamniformes: Mackerel sharks; distinguished by two dorsal fins without spines and the absence of nicitating eyelids; seven families, 16 species.
Carcharhiniformes: Ground sharks; characterized by two dorsal fins without spines and presence of nictitating eyelids; eight families, 216 species.

Orders of Batoids

Pristiformes: Sawfishes; recognized by a flattened, saw-like rostrum without barbels and ventral gill slits; one family, seven species.
Rhinobatiformes: Guitarfishes; marked by two large dorsal fins and a muscular precaudal tail; one family, five species.
Torpediniformes: Electric rays; have a dorsoventrally flattened body and paired electric organs; four families, 55 species.
Rajiformes: Skates; characterized by small to absent caudal fins, oviparous reproduction, and pelvic fins with two lobes; three families, 235 species.
Myliobatiformes: Stingrays; lack rostral cartilage and exhibit aplacental viviparous reproduction; nine families, 179 species.

Superorder Classification

Squalomorphii: Encompasses Hexanchiformes, Squaliformes, and Pristiophoriformes.
Squantinomorphii: Includes Squantiniformes.
Galeomorphii: Comprises Heterodontiformes, Orectolobiformes, Lamniformes, and Carcharhiniformes.
Rajomorphii: Contains Pristiformes, Rhinobatiformes, Torpediniformes, Rajiformes, and Myliobatiformes.

Description

Explore the modern classification system of sharks, skates, and rays through engaging flashcards. This quiz covers the hierarchy from kingdom to species, detailing the intricate taxonomy of these fascinating cartilaginous fishes. Perfect for students and enthusiasts of marine biology!