Family Tree - What Special Characteristics do Some Types of Sharks Have?

All types of sharks have certain characteristics that they share while some can be quite peculiar if not unique. For example, did you ever wonder how experts identify positively the shark involved in a shark attack? The shape and size of the shark teeth are almost like fingerprints. While the Great White shark has large triangular jagged teeth, the Tiger shark has smaller and strong hook-shaped teeth capable of crushing hard-shell preys such as turtles and crustaceans. Another special characteristic or feature of certain types of sharks is the fact that unlike most sharks, the Bull shark, the Nurse shark and the Lemon shark do not need to move continuously to breath. In fact, while they rest at the bottom of the ocean, they can breathe by opening and closing their mouth which pumps the water through their gills. There are also special characteristics to some types of sharks such as their method of reproduction. For example, not all sharks give birth the same way. Some species like the Dogfish shark are oviparous which means that this specie will lay eggs and attach them to seaweed or rocks until they hatch and then fend for themselves. You also have other shark species such as the Bull shark which is viviparous. This means that they give birth to live babies that were developing in the shark's uterus and being nourished through a placenta with uterine milk. Finally, there are species like the Great White shark which are ovoviviparous which means that they give birth to live babies that grow internally but are not fed directly by the mother. In fact, they usually survive by eating the yolk sacs. Some species will even produce some extra unfertilized eggs to feed their growing pups while others will feed on their weaker siblings. As you can see, there are various special characteristics of features that some types of sharks do have. While each specie has its own appearance and behavior, sharks may come from the same family tree but they and have a lot in common their genetic baggage is unique in itself. My name is Sylvie Leochko. I always found sharks intriguing which explains my desire to learn more about them. I soon discovered that each one of the types of sharks also offers special characteristics and behaviors differentiating them from other species. For example, against all odds, some species such as the Nurse shark can breathe without needing to move continuously unlike most species. If you are as amazed as I am, I invite you to follow this link: http://sharks.findoutnow.org/types-of-sharks.html . Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sylvie_Leochko