Page 72 - Shark

Glossary Dogfish embryo

AdAptAtion Evolutionary biological ClAspers Reproductive organs on the dorsAl fin One of
process that enables a species to adjust to inner edge of a male shark’s pelvic fins, the fins located on the
its environment. through which sperm is released. midline of a fish’s back to
stop it from rolling from
AmpullAe of lorenzini Sensory CloACA Reproductive and excretory side to side.
pores on a shark’s snout connected to opening in the body of a fish.
delicate, jelly-filled internal canals; they are eChinoderm One
able to detect electric pulses from potential CommensAl Relating to a connection of a group of marine
prey as it passes through the water. between two organisms in which one benefits invertebrates that
Scientists believe the ampullae of Lorenzini and the other is neither helped nor harmed. provide food for some
may also be involved in migration, acting as Pilot fish and sharks, for example, have a types of shark.
a kind of natural compass. commensal relationship: pilot fish gain
protection by swimming underneath sharks, eCology The study
AnAl fin One of the fins located on the which are not affected by this in any way. of how organisms relate
underside of the body in some sharks. to each other and their
Copepod One of more than 4,500 species environment. Experts who
of tiny aquatic animals that are a major specialize in this field are
component of plankton. Some of these attach called ecologists.
themselves to sharks’ fins and gills, feeding
Barbel off skin secretions and blood. eCosystem Collection
of interacting organisms
CorneA Tough but transparent membrane within a particular habitat.
that covers the iris and pupil in the eyes of
vertebrates, octopuses, and squids. enAmel Outer coating of
teeth. Enamel is the hardest
CrustACeA One of a group of hard- substance in an animal’s body.
shelled aquatic creatures such as crab and
shrimp that provide food for some emBryo Developing animal
types of shark. before it is born or hatched
from an egg.
dentine Dense material made from
minerals that forms the principal component feeding frenzy The
Nurse shark of teeth. uncontrolled behavior of a
group of sharks when there
BArBel Fleshy, sensitive projection on the dermAl dentiCles Literally, “skin is blood or food in the water. During a
front of the mouth in certain species. Barbels teeth,” which act like scales to form a feeding frenzy, sharks are not concerned
probe mud or sand on the seabed to detect protective coat of armor on a shark’s body. for their own safety, and may even attack
hidden food, and they may also help the Similar to conventional teeth, these are made one another.
shark to smell and taste. up of dentine and enamel, but they are
shaped differently according to where they fossil Remains of ancient plant or animal
CArtilAge Firm, gristly tissue that forms appear: the ones on the snout are rounded, that have been preserved in soil or rock.
the skeleton of sharks. While cartilage is while those on the back are pointed. Dermal
flexible, it is not as hard as bone. denticles are ridged, and they line up gAll BlAdder Small
with the direction the shark is moving pouch that stores bile,
CArtilAginous In describing an to minimize drag. (see also which is produced by the
animal species, cartilaginous means having a DENTINE) liver to aid in digestion.
skeleton made of cartilage rather than bone.
Cartilaginous fish include sharks, skates, rays, dorsAl Relating to an animal’s gestAtion The period,
and chimeras. (see also CARTILAGE) back (opposite of VENTRAL). between conception and
birth, in which an embryo
CAudAl fin Tail fin. Within the various develops.
species, sharks have caudal fins of many
different shapes and sizes. gill rAker Comblike
organ on the gill arch of
Chum Special shark bait consisting of Dorsal fin some sharks. Its function
blood mixed with salty, rotting fish. Dermal is to strain plankton out
denticles of water taken into the
shark’s mouth.
Caudal (tail)
fin
Black tip reef shark

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