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.
Author(s): A. Peter Klimley
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
Year: 2013
Language: English
Pages: 524
City: Chicago
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
