Advantages and Disadvantages of Cartilage Based Skeleton of Sharks Compared to Bony Fishes

Advantages:

  • Flexibility: Cartilage is more flexible than bone, allowing sharks to move their bodies more easily through water. This flexibility also helps sharks to absorb impact, reducing the risk of injury.
  • Buoyancy: Cartilage is less dense than bone, so sharks are more buoyant than bony fishes. This buoyancy helps sharks to stay suspended in the water column without expending much energy.
  • Growth: Cartilage can regenerate and grow throughout a shark's lifetime, allowing sharks to continue to grow and develop even after they reach adulthood.

Disadvantages:

  • Strength: Cartilage is not as strong as bone, so sharks are more susceptible to injury from predators or other environmental hazards.
  • Support: Cartilage does not provide as much support as bone, so sharks have to rely on their muscles to support their bodies. This can lead to fatigue and limit their ability to swim for long periods of time.
  • Calcification: Cartilage can sometimes calcify and become more brittle, which can reduce its flexibility and strength.
  1. What is the main advantage of a cartilage-based skeleton in sharks? Flexibility and buoyancy
  2. What is one disadvantage of a cartilage-based skeleton in sharks? Less strong than bone
  3. How does the flexibility of a shark's skeleton help it to survive? Absorb impact and move easily through water
  4. Why is buoyancy important for sharks? Helps them to stay suspended in the water column without expending much energy
  5. Can a shark's cartilage skeleton regenerate? Yes, throughout its lifetime
  1. GoPro HERO10 Black Action Camera
  2. Shimano Curado DC Fishing Reel
  3. Daiwa Tatula CT Casting Reel
  4. Penn Battle III Spinning Reel
  5. Rapala X-Rap Jerkbait

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