Biological Classification
- Sharks and rays belong to the group Elasmobranchii.
- Chimaeras, their closest relatives, belong to the group Holocephali.
- The cartilaginous skeleton is the main feature of chondrichthyan fish. It distinguishes them from the bony fish and other higher vertebrates such as amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals.
- Some of the cartilaginous skeletal structures of chondrichthyan fish are strengthened and hardened by the process of mineralization
Anatomy & SkeletonThe basic make-up of chondrichthyan fish includes:
They have a specific jaw suspension called 'holocephaly' in which it is connected with ligaments and tissue to the underside of the skull.
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MovementA shark is like an 'airplane.' It doesn't have a swim bladder (which aids in movement in other chondrichthyans), so it uses its forward movement to control a vertical position.
The tail is like the shark's 'propeller,' the shark swings it back and forth to move forward. This forward movement pushes water around the fins which then creates some sort of lift through the water. Their fins can be positioned in different angles allowing them They move in on prey using at least four sense: sound, scent, sight and electrical currents (Harris). |