Sharks & Rays

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When people think of sharks they tend to think of the big ones, such as the great white or tiger shark, and are often surprised to learn that we have several species off the coast of the UK, including large, fast, predatory species such as the porbeagle and mako and the giant plankton-eating basking shark. Excluding the controversial great white, there are 35 species of shark and 26 species of skate/ray found in British waters.

Species

Megamouth shark

Megachasma pelagios

An introduction to the Megamouth shark; its discovery and some of its poorly-known biology.

Sharks & Rays (Elasmobranchs)

Sharks, skates and rays (collectively “elasmobranchs”) are an incredibly diverse group of fish comprising almost 1,500 species worldwide.

Sharks & Rays in British Waters

Contrary to popular misconception, the UK's waters are home to some 35 species of shark and 26 species of ray.

Questions

Are sharks primitive?

Sharks are an ancient group of animals, but despite retaining many early characteristics are far from primitive.

Do sharks have any predators/threats?

Sharks are eaten by a variety of species, from gulls to whales. Humans are by far their biggest predator, however.

Have scientists have changed the name of the Lesser-spotted dogfish to Small-spotted catshark?

Small-spotted catsharks have been incorrectly referred to as "dogfish" for decades. Recently there has been a drive by marine biologists to set the record straight.

How can marine mammals see underwater but we can’t?

Marine mammals and fish have several adaptations to the shape, density and muscle configuration of their eyes that affects how light behaves upon entry.

How do elasmobranchs crush hard prey with a “soft” skeleton?

Elasmobranchs have reinforced jaws that help cope with hard-shelled prey.

How do sharks and rays control their buoyancy without a swim-bladder?

Elasmobranchs use a combination of an oily liver and lift generated by their fins to control their position in the water column.

How do whale and basking sharks grow so big eating such small food?

Planktivorous species are feeding at the bottom of the food chain, allowing them access to vast quantities of potential prey.

When did the first sharks appear on Earth?

The first sharks appeared in our seas about 400 mya, with the rays turning up some 200 mya later.

Why is the largest mammal bigger than the largest fish?

Oxygen availability may be the key factor limiting how large fish can grow and explain why mammals can outgrow them.

Bibliography

To see references, visit the bibliography for this class.

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