Skip over main navigation
  • Sign up
  • Log in
  • Basket: (0 items)
The Shark Trust
JoinDonate
Menu
  • Who We Are
    • About Us
    • Our Staff
    • Our Trustees
    • Our Patrons
    • Jobs
    • How We Are Funded
    • Contact Us
  • What We Do
    • Our Work
    • Shark Science
    • Saving Species
      • Angel Sharks
      • Sawfish
      • CITES
      • CMS
    • Citizen Science
      • Great Eggcase Hunt
        • The Project
        • Eggcase Hunting
        • Identifying Your Eggcase
        • British Isles & NW Europe
        • How Can You Help?
        • Record Your Eggcase
      • Basking Shark Project
        • The Project
        • About Basking Sharks
        • Basking Shark Threats
        • Basking Shark Conservation
        • How Can You Help?
      • Angling Project
      • Sightings Database
    • Transforming Fisheries
      • Falkland Islands Project
      • No Limits? Campaign
      • Stop Shark Finning Campaign
      • High-Seas Management
      • Sustainable Fisheries Project (UK)
      • Fisheries Advisories
        • English
        • French
        • German
        • Spanish
        • Dutch
        • Greek
    • Working Collaboratively
  • Discover Sharks
    • Shark Biology
      • Shark Evolution
      • Shark Taxonomy
      • Shark Anatomy
      • Shark Senses
      • Male & Female Sharks
      • Shark Reproduction
      • Tonic Immobility
    • Shark Ecology
      • British Sharks
    • Skates & Rays
    • Chimaera
    • Experience Sharks
    • Shark Attacks
    • Shark Threats
    • Shark Conservation
    • Resources
      • Leaflets & Posters
      • Shark ID Guides
      • Skate & Ray ID Guides
    • Pup's Activity Zone
  • Get Involved
    • Join Us
    • Adopt a Shark
    • Donate
    • Campaign
    • Become a Citizen Scientist
    • Fundraise
    • Volunteer
    • Your Business
    • Other Ways to Give
  • News
  • Events
  • Blogs
    • Collective Action
    • Fundraising Blog
    • Pup's Blog
    • Discover Sharks
    • Creature Feature
    • The Blowfish
  • Shop
  • Press
  • Admin
    • Log in
  • Basket: (0 items)
  • shark-biology
  1. Discover Sharks
  2. Shark Biology

Shark Biology

In this section we go back in time to unearth the origins of sharks. We'll explore how all sharks are related through the science of taxonomy. We’ll learn all about their anatomy and super senses. And we’ll see how they’re perfectly suited their environment.

You’ll be left in no doubt that sharks are among the most impressive and formidable predators on the planet!

Use the links below to explore our shark biology section.

Shark Evolution

Shark Evolution

Most scientists believe that sharks came into existence around 400 million years ago. That's 200 million years before the dinosaurs! Find out more about the history of sharks... Read more

Published: 7th November, 2018

Updated: 22nd August, 2019

Author: Hannah Tarrant

Related topics:
  • Shark Biology
Shark Taxonomy

Shark Taxonomy

Taxonomy is a field of science that involves classifying and naming species. It's integral to wildlife conservation, providing the bedrock for our understanding of sharks. Read more

Published: 6th November, 2018

Updated: 2nd September, 2020

Author: Hannah Tarrant

Related topics:
  • Shark Biology
Shark Anatomy

Shark Anatomy

Sharks have a range of adaptations that make them perfectly suited to their environment. It's no wonder they've gained a reputation for being some of the most impressive and formidable predators on the planet! Read more

Published: 5th November, 2018

Updated: 22nd August, 2019

Author: Hannah Tarrant

Related topics:
  • Shark Biology
Shark Senses

Shark Senses

Many shark species have brains as complex as mammals, which enables them to process a wide range of senses. Sharks have the same 5 senses as we do plus a couple more... Read more

Published: 4th November, 2018

Updated: 22nd August, 2019

Author: Hannah Tarrant

Related topics:
  • Shark Biology
Male & Female Sharks

Male & Female Sharks

How do you tell the difference between a male and female shark? Click here to find out about physical and behavioural differences, as well as shark courtship... Read more

Published: 3rd November, 2018

Updated: 22nd August, 2019

Author: Hannah Tarrant

Related topics:
  • Shark Biology
Shark Reproduction

Shark Reproduction

Sharks invest a lot of energy into producing a few, well-developed young. There are 3 main methods of reproduction: oviparity (egg-laying), ovoviviparity and vivparity (live birth). Read more

Published: 2nd November, 2018

Updated: 7th December, 2020

Author: Hannah Tarrant

Related topics:
  • Shark Biology
Tonic Immobility

Tonic Immobility

Tonic immobility is a reflex that causes a temporary state of inactivity in an animal. Similar to hypnosis. It occurs in a variety of different species, including many sharks and rays... Read more

Published: 1st November, 2018

Updated: 19th March, 2020

Author: Hannah Tarrant

Related topics:
  • Shark Biology
Back to top

Showing 10 of 7

Latest

  • News Digest - January

    News Digest - January

    Check out our selection of top shark stories for the month. Covering the latest news and discoveries from around the world...

  • Stuck indoors & need something to do?

    Stuck indoors & need something to do?

    If you're looking for something to keep you, or little ones, entertained, check out our top 10 resources...

  • Shark Focus Magazine (Issue 65)

    Shark Focus Magazine (Issue 65)

    In this issue we're dispelling some of the common shark myths. Exploring how we can all shift the current negative narrative surrounding sharks, by the way we talk about them.

  • News Digest - December

    News Digest - December

    Check out our selection of top shark stories for the month. Covering the latest news and discoveries from around the world...

Most read

  • Canada Protects Endangered Mako Sharks with Groundbreaking Atlantic Ban

    Canada Protects Endangered Mako Sharks with Groundbreaking Atlantic Ban

    Canada announces groundbreaking move to protect Shortfin Mako in the Atlantic after a sustained campaign by the Shark League to follow the advice of ICCAT scientists.

  • 18 Shark & Ray Species Granted New Global Trade Controls at Wildlife Conference

    18 Shark & Ray Species Granted New Global Trade Controls at Wildlife Conference

    Makos, Wedgefishes, and Giant Guitarfishes listed under CITES with support from more than 100 countries.

  • ID Guide Introductory Pages

  • Male & Female Sharks

    Male & Female Sharks

    How do you tell the difference between a male and female shark? Click here to find out about physical and behavioural differences, as well as shark courtship...

  • Shark Taxonomy

    Shark Taxonomy

    Taxonomy is a field of science that involves classifying and naming species. It's integral to wildlife conservation, providing the bedrock for our understanding of sharks.

  • Great Eggcase Hunt

    Great Eggcase Hunt

    Find and record empty shark eggcases that have washed up on the beach. Eggcase hunting is great fun for all ages! Click here to find everything you need to get started.

  • Shark Anatomy

    Shark Anatomy

    Sharks have a range of adaptations that make them perfectly suited to their environment. It's no wonder they've gained a reputation for being some of the most impressive and formidable predators on the planet!

  • Tonic Immobility

    Tonic Immobility

    Tonic immobility is a reflex that causes a temporary state of inactivity in an animal. Similar to hypnosis. It occurs in a variety of different species, including many sharks and rays...

  • Landings of Endangered Rays in Tunisia Denounced

    Conservation groups are calling for answers and action in relation to the landing of Endangered Giant Devil Rays in Kelibia, Tunisia, in contravention of international agreements to protect the species.

  • News Digest - November

    News Digest - November

    Check out our selection of top shark stories for the month. Covering the latest news and discoveries from around the world...

Sign Up to our Newsletter

* indicates required
Email Format

We'll only use the information you provide on this form to email you monthly updates and marketing. Please tick the box below to confirm you're happy for us to email you.

You can change your mind at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in the footer of any email you receive from us Or by contacting us. We treat your information with respect. Read our Privacy Policy to find out more. By clicking below, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with these terms.

We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices here.

Find us

Registered Office
The Shark Trust
4 Creykes Court
The Millfields
Plymouth
PL1 3JB, UK

+44 (0)1752 672008

Links

  • Sitemap
  • Accessibility
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Follow us

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
  • Linkedin

© 2020 Shark Trust (unless otherwise attributed). Registered Charity No. 1064185. Registered Company No. 3396164