The Biology of Sharks and Rays

Description

The Biology of Sharks and Rays is a comprehensive resource on the biological and physiological characteristics of the cartilaginous fishes: sharks, rays, and chimaeras. In sixteen chapters, organized by theme, A. Peter Klimley covers a broad spectrum of topics, including taxonomy, morphology, ecology, and physiology. For example, he explains the body design of sharks and why the ridged, toothlike denticles that cover their entire bodies are present on only part of the rays’ bodies and are absent from those of chimaeras. Another chapter explores the anatomy of the jaws and the role of the muscles and teeth in jaw extension, seizure, and handling of prey. The chapters are richly illustrated with pictures of sharks, diagrams of sensory organs, drawings of the body postures of sharks during threat and reproductive displays, and maps showing the extent of the species’ foraging range and long-distance migrations. Each chapter commences with an anecdote from the author about his own personal experience with the topic, followed by thought-provoking questions and a list of recommended readings in the scientific literature.  The book will be a useful textbook for advanced ichthyology students as well as an encyclopedic source for those seeking a greater understanding of these fascinating creatures. Contents Chapter 1. An Introduction to the Cartilaginous Fishes Chapter 2. Evolutionary History Sharks and Chimaeras of the Paleozoic Era Spotlight 2.1: The Paleozoic Ecosystem Sharks and Rays of the Mesozoic Era Spotlight 2.2: The Demise of the Giant-tooth Shark Orders of Extant Cartilaginous Fishes Summary Chapter 3. Body Design and Swimming Modes Skeleton and Fins White and Red Muscle Skin and Dermal Denticles Spotlight 3.1: Denticle-Covered Bathing Suits Produce World Records Spotlight 3.2: Kinematics Reveal Asymmetrical Tail’s Function Summary Chapter 4. Water and Ionic Regulation Osmoregulation Spotlight 4.1: Cartilaginous Fishes in Freshwater Osmoregulatory Organs Summary Chapter 5. Warming of the Body Cold- Bodied Cartilaginous Fishes Warm- Bodied Cartilaginous Fishes Spotlight 5.1: Calcium Ion Uptake by Heart Summary Spotlight 5.2: Temperature Dependency and Global Marine Communities Chapter 6. Sense of Smell: Chemoreception Olfactory Organ Chemical Sensitivity Spotlight 6.1: Ineffective Artificial Repellent, Effective Natural Repellent! Chemical Orientation Spotlight 6.2: Laterally Expanded Rostrum and Stereo-olfaction Summary Chapter 7. Sense of Hearing: Mechanoreception Spotlight 7.1: Attraction to Low-frequency Sounds Withdrawal from Impulsive Sounds Water Particle Displacements and Pressure Oscillations Internal Mechanoreceptors Sensitive to Pressure Oscillations Spotlight 7.2: Macula Neglecta and Prey Detection Hearing Sensitivity Sound Localization and Noise Pollution Summary Chapter 8. Sense of Sight: Photoreception Underwater Photic Environment Anatomy of Eye Spotlight 8.1: Do Sharks or Rays See Colors? Visual Capabilities Summary Chapter 9. Sense of Electromagnetic Fields: Electroreception/Magnetoreception Saltwater, a Highly Conductive Medium Anatomy and Distribution of Ampullae of Lorenzini Spotlight 9.1: Catsharks Detect Prey by Bioelectric Fields Prey Detection Mate Detection Orientation and Navigation The Earth’s Magnetic Field Spotlight 9.2: Hammerhead Sharks Migrate Along Magnetic Pathways Hierarchy of Senses Summary Chapter 10. Brain Organization and Intelligence Brain Organization Anatomy of Brains of Sharks, Rays, and Chimaeras Differences in Development of Regions of Brain Capacity to Learn Spotlight 10.1: Brains of Sharks and Rays Are Highly Developed Summary Chapter 11. Courtship and Reproduction Reproductive Anatomy and Physiology Reproductive Cycle Spotlight 11.1: Intrauterine Cannibalism Courtship and Copulation Spotlight 11.2: Promiscuity and Multiple Paternity Summary Chapter 12. Feeding Behavior and Biomechanics Filter Feeding on Plankton Approach, Seizure, and Handling Prey Spotlight 12.1: A Perfect Biological Sieve Evolution of Jaws Biomechanics of Feeding Anatomy and Function of Teeth Spotlight 12.2: Biomechanics of Shark Teeth Summary Chapter 13. Diet and Growth Cartilaginous Fishes in the Food Chain Dietary Composition Spotlight 13.1: Remote Sensing of Feeding Anatomy of Stomach and Intestine Growth Rate and Life Span Verifying Age Spotlight 13.2: Atomic Bombs and Vertebral Aging Summary Chapter 14. Daily Movements, Home Range, and Migration Ambushers Central-Place Aggregators Oceanic Migrators Diving Behavior Spotlight 14.1: State-of-the-Art Electronic Tags Summary Chapter 15. Cartilaginous Fishes and Humans Shark Attacks on Humans Spotlight 15.1: Chance of Being Attacked by a Shark Stingray Injuries to Humans Spotlight 15.2: Steve Irwin’s Death from a Stingray Barb Ecotourism Summary Chapter 16. Fisheries and Conservation Who’s Eating Whom? Historical Decline of Shark Fisheries Current Status of Shark Populations in the North Atlantic Ocean What Makes Cartilaginous Fishes Vulnerable to Overfishing? Management and Protection of Shark Populations Spotlight 16.1: The Wasteful Practice of Shark Finning Establishment of Marine Reserves Spotlight 16.2: What Regulations Promote Healthy Shark Populations? Summary References Illustration Credits Index