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  • shark-ecology
  1. Discover Sharks
  2. Shark Ecology

Shark Ecology

Covering over 70% of the earth’s surface the ocean contains a series of dynamic and incredibly varied ecosystems. These delicate marine ecosystems function via an unimaginably complex network of interactions between the organisms and communities which call it home.

With over 500 species worldwide, sharks have adapted to inhabit a wide range of niches in every ocean and sea around the world. From the Portuguese Dogfish that lives in total darkness at depths up to 3,700m. To the Greenland Shark that tolerates the icy waters of the Arctic. The Blue Shark which can migrate over 5,700 miles. And the Bull Shark which can be found in freshwater up to 1,860 miles from the sea!

Species occupying the highest trophic level in a food web are known as apex predators and include many species of shark. They play a particularly important role in maintaining the diversity, function and health of an ecosystem. They impact directly through predation on meso-predators (middle level consumers) and indirectly through their interactions with other members of the ecosystem.

Their removal can have complex and unpredictable ecological consequences. Something researchers are only just beginning to understand.

To discover more about how sharks interact with other marine organisms and their environment click on the links below:

British Sharks

British Sharks

Contrary to popular belief, sharks do occur around the coasts of Britain. In fact we have over 40 species! Including some of the fastest, rarest, largest and most highly migratory in the world! Read more

Published: 8th November, 2018

Updated: 3rd July, 2019

Author: Hannah Tarrant

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  • Shark Anatomy

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    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!

  • Shark Taxonomy

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    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.

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

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

  • Shark Senses

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    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...

  • Tonic Immobility

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    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...

  • Shark Reproduction

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    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).

  • ID Guide Introductory Pages

  • 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...

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