Get Shark Anatomy - Ocean Of Know

To help compensate for their tendency to sink, their livers contain large amounts of oil that is less dense than seawater. Pelagic (open water) sharks generally have larger livers, with more and lighter oil, than sharks which live in shallower water or near the ocean bottom.

Spines are included in the shark anatomy as a form of protection. For many sharks and most rays, spines are included in their anatomy to defend them against potential predators.

Many sharks, especially bottom-dwelling species, have paired openings called spiracles located between the eye and the gill slits. Spiracles are used to take in water and ventilate the gills, even while the shark may be feeding or at rest on the bottom.

Most sharks have a muscular, asymmetrical, upturned tail; pointed fins; a pointed snout; and sharp triangular teeth. Sharks have no swim bladder and must swim perpetually to keep from sinking. Most species bear living young.

One way the shark protects itself is its teeth. They teeth protect the shark by biting the enemy and making them swim away. The other way the shark protects itself is with it's head. The head of the hammerhead shark is important because the hammerhead shark can use it to hit the enemy and hurt it.

A shark has fins and a streamlined body that help it swim through water. It has gills, which take in oxygen directly out of the water. Because of its gills, sharks can stay underwater and not have to come to the surface to breathe. Sharks also have a tremendous number of sharp teeth, which make them fierce predators.

On fast swimming sharks, denticles have sharp peaks and small grooves running from front to back, helping water flow over the body more efficiently. The denticles of some sharks even have cross-ridges and pits (like a golf ball) to further increase swimming efficiency.