external anatomy
This fine provides propulsion
caudal fin
oil filled organ for buoyancy
liver
– Detects blood in water
olfactory system
Definition of apex predator
Top of food chain, no natural predators.
Increase when sharks disappear
Mid-level predators
structure detects vibrations
lateral line
corkscrew shaped digestive structure
spiral valve intestine
Detects electrical fields
electroreception
– Energy flow trend in trophic levels
Decreases upward.
Overgrows coral when herbivores decline.
Algae
these reduce drag and feel like sandpaper
placoid scales
– Sharks lack this buoyancy structure found in bony fish
What is a swim bladder?
Works best in murky water.
lateral line
– Sharks regulate this in ecosystems
Prey populations.
Ecosystem affected by turtle grazing changes
Seagrass beds.
body shape reduces drag and increases effeciency
fusiform(streamlined)
Explain how the spiral valve is an energy-efficient adaptation
Maximizes absorption with shorter intestine.
– Why are rod cells important in sharks?
improve low light conditions
What role do sharks play in maintaining biodiversity
Prevent overpopulation and ecosystem imbalance
– Define trophic cascade
Chain reaction from predator removal.
explain how fin placement affects stability and maneuvaribility
dorsal=stability pectoral=lift,steering caudal=propulsion
Why must some sharks swim constantly
ventilation for gill oxygen flow
Why is multi-sensory detection evolutionarily advantageous
Allows detection under varied conditions; increases hunting success
Explain top-down control
Apex predators regulate lower trophic levels
Explain coral reef decline if sharks are removed
More mid-level predators → fewer herbivores → algae overgrowth → coral death