What makes sharks different from each other?

What makes sharks different from each other?

But how is a shark different from other kinds of fish? A shark’s skeleton is made of cartilage, a type of strong but flexible tissue. Most other fish are covered in smooth, flat scales. A shark is covered in sharp, toothlike scales called denticles.

How can you identify a shark?

Distinguishing Characteristics:

1. Mouth near tip of snout with conspicuous nasal barbels on each side; deep grooves connecting nostrils with mouth.
2. First and second dorsal and anal fins broadly rounded; second dorsal fin nearly as large as first dorsal fin.

How can you tell the difference between shark teeth?

Look for dark triangular shapes. While shark teeth are subtly unique to each other, the teeth that you might find will most likely be black, or another similar dark color. They will also probably be smaller, between about 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) and 2 inches (5.1 cm) in length, and in the shape of a triangle.

What are 5 characteristics of sharks?

Shark Physical Characteristics

• Cartilage Skeleton.
• Skin covered with dermal denticles.
• Powerful Jaws.
• Efficient Liver.
• Anatomic Tail.
• Dynamic Fins.
• Highly Developed Senses.

How does a shark differ from most freshwater fish?

While most fish have gills tucked behind a bony flap called an operculum, sharks exhale water through gill slits located behind their head. A shark’s skin is covered with tiny dermal denticles that differ from scales on most fish.

How do you identify shark fins?

At a glance… The sharks of interest have distinct white dorsal fin markings (1 and 2) OR their dorsal fins are tall, slender from leading edge to trailing edge and light brown (3). Dorsal fins are the same color on both sides (see right and left side views below).

What does a black shark tooth mean?

Most of the time, shark teeth that you find on the beach are black because they’re fossilized. In the process of fossilization, the minerals that are naturally in shark teeth are replaced by other minerals that were in the rock or soil where the tooth was buried.

Why are shark teeth different colors?

Shark teeth enamel are made of a completely different substance than roots and bones, so they have a very different chemical composition. The difference in chemical composition makes them react differently to mineralization, which causes the differences in color.

What are the unique features of the Shark?

12 Shark Facts That May Surprise You

• Sharks do not have bones.
• Most sharks have good eyesight.
• Sharks have special electroreceptor organs.
• Shark skin feels similar to sandpaper.
• Sharks can go into a trance.
• Sharks have been around a very long time.
• Scientists age sharks by counting the rings on their vertebrae.

What is unique about shark anatomy?

Shark skeletons are made of cartilage. This is strong and durable, yet much more flexible and lighter than bone. Being lighter helps a shark to stay afloat and reduces the amount of energy they need to move about. The flexibility of cartilage also allows them to make tight turns quickly.

How do I make an identification of a shark?

To make an identification, begin with the flow chart entitled “ Key to Selected Shark Orders ”. Start at the top and proceed downward, choosing YES or NO as best describes the shark you saw. Once you have determined the major group to which your shark belongs, click on the order indicated or the representative diagram.

How do you identify a shark in a flow chart?

In both the flow charts and species descriptions, identifying characters are limited to easily observable, external features. To make an identification, begin with the flow chart entitled “ Key to Selected Shark Orders ”. Start at the top and proceed downward, choosing YES or NO as best describes the shark you saw.

What are the classification ranks of sharks?

The system is complex but the main classification ranks are: Organisms are grouped under very wide categories, such as Animal or Plant. Sharks belong to the Kingdom Animalia. Divides Kingdoms into smaller groups that share similar characteristics. Sharks belong to the Phylum Chordata and the Sub-phylum Vertebrata.

What is the social structure of sharks?

Some species show a social structure based on groups called “schools” without a strong reason for this because sharks do not need special protection against predators. The sharks that socialize usually segregate according to the size of the individuals. Some species show a social structure based on groups called “schools”.