Biology of Sharks

Catalog description

Few organisms fascinate humans as much as sharks and their relatives, the skates, rays and chimaeras (class Chondrichthyes). Despite this, many people lack an understanding of these fishes and their beliefs and opinions are biased by misperceptions that permeate society. This course provides a detailed overview of the biology of sharks, including morphology, physiology, ecology, behavior, and genetics. Special emphasis will also be placed on the evolution and diversity of sharks and shark-human interactions, including shark fisheries.