Zoology: Dogfish Shark Anatomy Pre-Lab

Dogfish Shark Anatomy & Physiology

• Dogfish sharks are part of the Squalidae family, exhibiting unique features that aid in their ecological role as predators.

Lateral & Anterior Anatomy

• The lateral line system is a sensory organ that detects water movements and vibrations, crucial for hunting and navigation.
• Anterior anatomy includes the notable snout, which is adapted for sensing prey through electroreception.

Snout & Bottom Anatomy

• The snout is pointed, aiding in the shark's ability to penetrate and detect prey hidden in substrates.
• The bottom anatomy includes adaptations like flattened pectoral fins for stabilization during swimming.

Female Reproductive Anatomy

• Females possess a cloaca that functions as a single outlet for reproductive, urinary, and digestive systems.
• Ovaries are large with developing eggs, and they exhibit a form of ovoviviparity, where young develop inside the female’s body.

Male Reproductive Anatomy

• Males possess claspers, elongated pelvic fins used for internal fertilization.
• Testes and seminal vesicles are responsible for sperm production and storage, ensuring successful reproduction.

Digestive System

• The intestines of the dogfish shark feature a spiral valve that increases nutrient absorption and digestive efficiency.
• The stomach includes rugae, or folds, that allow for expansion and effective processing of large prey.

Cloaca Function

• The cloaca serves multiple functions, merging the reproductive, excretory, and digestive tracts in one chamber.

Pharyngeal Cavity

• The pharyngeal cavity plays a role in respiration and feeding, containing gill slits that are vital for aquatic respiration.

Kidney Structure

• The kidneys are elongated and perform crucial functions in osmoregulation and waste excretion, vital for maintaining the shark's internal environment.

Conclusion

• Understanding the anatomy and reproductive systems of the dogfish shark is fundamental in studying marine biology and the ecological roles of cartilaginous fish.

Explore the detailed anatomy of the Dogfish Shark in this pre-lab quiz designed for zoology students. Covering topics like reproductive organs, digestive system, and sensory structures, this quiz will enhance your understanding of shark anatomy.