Diversity and Adaptations of Cartilaginous Fishes

1. Which marine creature is characterized by having a venomous spine, males with a 'tentaclum' on the nose, being oviparous, and being demersal?

Chimaera monstrosa (rabbitfish)

Hydrolagus colliei(spotted ratfish)

Squalus acanthias (spiny dogfish)

Heterodontus francisci (horn shark)

The spotted ratfish, scientifically known as Hydrolagus colliei, possesses all the mentioned characteristics - a venomous spine, males with a 'tentaclum' on the nose, being oviparous, and living in demersal habitats.

Explanation

The spotted ratfish, scientifically known as Hydrolagus colliei, possesses all the mentioned characteristics - a venomous spine, males with a 'tentaclum' on the nose, being oviparous, and living in demersal habitats.

2. What group contains the 'cow and frilled sharks'?

Orectolobiformes

Hexanchiformes

Lamniformes

Carcharhiniformes

The 'cow and frilled sharks' belong to the Hexanchiformes group, which is a group of sharks that includes species like the sixgill sharks and the frilled sharks. Lamniformes, Orectolobiformes, and Carcharhiniformes are other shark groups with different shark species.

Explanation

The 'cow and frilled sharks' belong to the Hexanchiformes group, which is a group of sharks that includes species like the sixgill sharks and the frilled sharks. Lamniformes, Orectolobiformes, and Carcharhiniformes are other shark groups with different shark species.

3. Which shark species has 7 gill slits, 1 dorsal fin, 1 anal fin, scattered black spots on body, reaches a max total length of 3m, is found in Humboldt bay for birthing/nursery, and has a cosmopolitan distribution?

Notorynchus cepedianus Family Hexanchidae (cow sharks)(Sevengill shark)

Galeocerdo cuvier (Tiger shark)

Carcharhinus limbatus (Blacktip shark)

Sphyrna mokarran (Great hammerhead)

Notorynchus cepedianus fits all the given descriptions with 7 gill slits, 1 dorsal fin, 1 anal fin, scattered black spots on the body, reaching a max total length of 3m, being found in Humboldt bay for birthing/nursery, and having a cosmopolitan distribution. The incorrect answers do not match all the specified characteristics.

Explanation

Notorynchus cepedianus fits all the given descriptions with 7 gill slits, 1 dorsal fin, 1 anal fin, scattered black spots on the body, reaching a max total length of 3m, being found in Humboldt bay for birthing/nursery, and having a cosmopolitan distribution. The incorrect answers do not match all the specified characteristics.

4. Two small to moderately large dorsal fins usually preceded by a spine, no anal fin, eyes with out a nictitating membrane, spiracle, body with white spots on side, Very abundant, Anti tropical distribution, schooling, 100yrs lifespan, Name Family, genus, species.

Family Lamnidae (mackerel sharks) Isurus oxyrinchus (shortfin mako)

Family Squalidae (dogfish sharks)Squalus acanthias (spiny dogfish)

Family Carcharhinidae (requiem sharks) Carcharhinus leucas (bull shark)

Family Scyliorhinidae (catsharks) Scyliorhinus canicula (lesser spotted catshark)

The correct answer matches the description given in the question, specifically identifying the features of the spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias). The incorrect answers provide information about other shark species that do not fit the given description.

Explanation

The correct answer matches the description given in the question, specifically identifying the features of the spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias). The incorrect answers provide information about other shark species that do not fit the given description.

5. Name the family that has the following characteristics: Pointed snout, no nictitating eyelids, Large gill slits that extend well above middle of body and slightly on ventral surface, all gill slits anterior to pectoral fin base.

Family Carcharhinidae (requiem sharks)

Family Lamnidae (mackerel sharks)

Family Chlamydoselachidae (frilled sharks)

Family Sphyrnidae (hammerhead sharks)

The characteristics provided in the question match those of Family Lamnidae, specifically mackerel sharks. Carcharhinidae have nictitating eyelids, Sphyrnidae have hammer-shaped heads, and Chlamydoselachidae have frilly or collar-like gill slits, making them incorrect answers.

Explanation

The characteristics provided in the question match those of Family Lamnidae, specifically mackerel sharks. Carcharhinidae have nictitating eyelids, Sphyrnidae have hammer-shaped heads, and Chlamydoselachidae have frilly or collar-like gill slits, making them incorrect answers.

6. Which shark species exhibits the following characteristics: pectoral fin origin mostly ahead of dorsal fin origin, one keel on caudal peduncle, teeth with serrated edges and no lateral cusplets, Cosmopolitan distribution, cannibalistic viviparity,

Carcharodon carcharias(White Shark)

Galeocerdo cuvier (Tiger Shark)

Sphyrna mokarran (Great Hammerhead Shark)

Rhincodon typus (Whale Shark)

The characteristics described match those of the White Shark, including its specific features and behavior traits. The Tiger Shark, Great Hammerhead Shark, and Whale Shark do not fit all the criteria provided.

Explanation

The characteristics described match those of the White Shark, including its specific features and behavior traits. The Tiger Shark, Great Hammerhead Shark, and Whale Shark do not fit all the criteria provided.

7. Which species has a pectoral fin origin mostly below first dorsal fin origin, two keels on caudal peduncle, teeth smooth with lateral cusplets, Japan to Baja, cannibalistic viviparity, 3meter max total length, and is specialized for foraging on Salmon?

Lamna ditropis(Salmon Shark)

Galeocerdo cuvier (Tiger Shark)

Carcharodon carcharias (Great White Shark)

Sphyrna mokarran (Great Hammerhead Shark)

The characteristics mentioned in the question match with the features of the Salmon Shark, Lamna ditropis. Great White Sharks, Great Hammerhead Sharks, and Tiger Sharks have different physical traits and behaviors compared to those described for the Salmon Shark.

Explanation

The characteristics mentioned in the question match with the features of the Salmon Shark, Lamna ditropis. Great White Sharks, Great Hammerhead Sharks, and Tiger Sharks have different physical traits and behaviors compared to those described for the Salmon Shark.

8. What group is characterized by narrow gill slits, presence of a nictitating eyelid, two spineless dorsal fins, five paired gill slits, mouth extends beyond eyes, and anal fins present?

Orectolobiformes (carpet sharks)

Lamniformes (mackerel sharks)

Carcharhiniformes (ground sharks)

Squaliformes (dogfish sharks)

The correct answer is Carcharhiniformes, also known as ground sharks, which possess all the mentioned characteristics. Lamniformes are known as mackerel sharks, Squaliformes are dogfish sharks, and Orectolobiformes are carpet sharks, each with different distinguishing features.

Explanation

The correct answer is Carcharhiniformes, also known as ground sharks, which possess all the mentioned characteristics. Lamniformes are known as mackerel sharks, Squaliformes are dogfish sharks, and Orectolobiformes are carpet sharks, each with different distinguishing features.

9. Which family does the species Apristurus brunneus (brown cat shark) belong to based on the description: Origin of first dorsal fin over or behind origin of pelvic fins, spiracle present, oviparous?

Family Hexanchidae

Family ScyliorhinidaeApristurus brunneus (brown cat shark)

Family Sphyrnidae

Family Carcharhindae

The correct family for the brown cat shark (Apristurus brunneus) based on the provided description is Scyliorhinidae as it matches the characteristics mentioned.

Explanation

The correct family for the brown cat shark (Apristurus brunneus) based on the provided description is Scyliorhinidae as it matches the characteristics mentioned.

10. Which family is characterized by; eyes oval, spiracle present, long labial furrows, no precaudal pits?

Family Carcharhinidae

Family Sphyrnidae

Family Heterodontidae

Family Triakidae

The correct answer is Family Triakidae because these characteristics are specific to this family. Eyes oval, spiracle present, long labial furrows, and no precaudal pits are defining features of the Triakidae family.

Explanation

The correct answer is Family Triakidae because these characteristics are specific to this family. Eyes oval, spiracle present, long labial furrows, and no precaudal pits are defining features of the Triakidae family.