Question

Which of the following shark species are oviparous, meaning that they lay eggs and hatch outside the mother’s body?

Answer 1

There are several shark species that are oviparous, including the bamboo shark, the nurse shark, and the horn shark. Oviparous sharks lay eggs with a tough, leathery casing that protects the developing embryo. The eggs are deposited in a safe place, such as a crevice or a sponge, where they are less likely to be eaten by predators.

Answer 2

Shark species that are oviparous, meaning that they lay eggs and hatch outside the mother’s body, include the spiny dogfish, the frilled shark, the angel shark, and the horn shark.

Answer 3

Among the various shark species, it is important to note that the majority are viviparous or ovoviviparous, which means they give birth to live young instead of laying eggs. However, there are a few shark species that are indeed oviparous and lay eggs. These include:

1. Carpet sharks (Order Orectolobiformes): Carpet sharks, such as the zebra shark (Stegostoma fasciatum) and the wobbegongs (family Orectolobidae), are oviparous. They lay eggs enclosed in leathery egg cases, commonly known as mermaid's purses or egg capsules.

2. Catsharks (Family Scyliorhinidae): Catsharks are a family of sharks that includes several oviparous species. They lay eggs with a protective case, similar to the carpet sharks.

3. Bullhead sharks (Family Heterodontidae): Bullhead sharks, such as the horn shark (Heterodontus francisci), are also oviparous. They lay eggs with tough, horn-like cases that provide protection.

It's important to note that the majority of shark species are not oviparous but rather give birth to live young. This includes well-known species like great white sharks, tiger sharks, and hammerhead sharks, among others.

Answer 4

Among the given shark species, the ones that are oviparous and lay eggs that hatch outside the mother's body are: Bamboo Shark (Family Hemiscylliidae): Bamboo sharks, such as the Whitespotted Bamboo Shark (Chiloscyllium plagiosum) and Brownbanded Bamboo Shark (Chiloscyllium punctatum), are oviparous. The female lays egg cases, commonly known as "mermaid's purses," which have tendrils that anchor them to the seafloor. The embryos develop within the egg cases until they hatch as fully formed sharks. Horn Shark (Family Heterodontidae): Horn sharks, including the California Horn Shark (Heterodontus francisci), are oviparous. The female horn shark lays egg cases that have a spiral shape and are commonly referred to as "mermaid's purses" or "mermaid's necklaces." These egg cases have a tough outer casing and contain a developing embryo that hatches once the shark is fully formed. It's worth noting that some shark species employ other reproductive methods, such as giving birth to live young (viviparity) or retaining eggs inside the female's body until they hatch (ovoviviparity). However, the Bamboo Shark and Horn Shark are examples of oviparous sharks that lay eggs outside the mother's body.