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Sharks’ low-density cartilage skeleton helps them stay buoyant because they lack the swim bladders that many bony fish have to prevent them from sinking.
The majority of sharks have nearly 200-400 cartilage-based structures.
Not everything is known about Marine life. While we know about the existence of some apex predators like sharks, the anatomy of this giant creature is no doubt confusing. Like humans, sharks belong to the phylum, Chordata. It means both species can be categorised in the same taxonomic hierarchy. They, however, are different when class comes into consideration. Humans are mammals while sharks come from the Pisces family. Being vertebrates, fish may have endoskeletons like us but in the place of bones, they have cartilage– a strong yet flexible connective tissue.
“We think early sharks developed a cartilaginous skeleton because it better suited their lifestyle. Being light and more flexible than bone, cartilage means sharks can typically swim faster than bony fish,” said Emma Bernard, Fossil Fish Curator at the Natural History Museum, London.
Cartilage is thinner than bones and can also be found in human ears, noses and joints. Due to its flexibility, sharks are able to swim faster than bony fish. The density of cartilage is around half that of bone.
When asked if sharks’ ancestors had bones, Emma Bernard said, “This is still being debated. Sharks and other cartilaginous fishes, such as rays and skates, reverted to cartilage because it’s lighter and more flexible than bone. This offered advantages including escaping predators and being able to turn more quickly in the water in pursuit of prey.”
Sharks’ low-density cartilage skeleton helps them stay buoyant because they lack the swim bladders that many bony fish have to prevent them from sinking. Sharks’ liver contains low-density oils which also assist them.
A human body generally has between 206 and 2013 bones while the count of cartilage-based structure in the majority of sharks is nearly 200 to 400. The numbers, however, depend on the species. The only component of their skeleton that doesn’t contain cartilage is teeth — recognised as their main weapon.
Some shark species have a powerful bite because of their skeletal structure. As their upper jaw is not attached to their cartilaginous skull, these creatures can open their mouths wide. That’s why their downward bite becomes harder and faster. Great white sharks rank among the animals with the most impressive bite forces.
