I have always heard that sharks are fish, and i believe this to be true. However There is also the Theory that once a shark is born it has to run away from its parents as fast as it can or else its parents will eat it. Now I'm wondering does a shark lay eggs Or does the shark give birth like how a dolphin gives birth?
Is it possible for a fish to give birth from its stomach. Like how the duckbillplatupus lays eggs but its still a mammal?
This question isn't for home work or anything. My sister and I where arguing about which was right.
I think they lay eggs she thinks they give birth. :)
2007-02-26 15:01:18 · 10 answers · asked by yuuki chan 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Zoology
Both you and your sister are correct. Some sharks lay eggs (oviparous) and some give live birth (viviparous). Examples: Lemon sharks are viviparous, while horn sharks are oviparous. Just to confuse you even more, some sharks and rays are ovoviviparous. This means they have egg cases within their uterus but they don't lay them. The young sharks simply hatch inside their mother and then are born live.
Another main reproductive difference between sharks and other types of fish is that sharks and rays have internal fertilization. The males of each species have external reproductive organs called claspers that are inserted into the female for fertilization. Most fishes release sperm and eggs into the water with no real contact between male and female.
As far as the baby sharks swimming away from their mother as soon as they are born - they probably don't need to. Their mother usually swims away during birth. Some sharks need to beware of their brothers and sisters - interuterine cannabalism. They will eat each other inside of their mother before they are born. Crazy stuff!
Just like with the duckbilled platypus still being a mammal - remember, there are exceptions to every rule!
2007-02-26 15:15:12 · answer #1 · answered by cbbfish 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
How Is A Shark Born
2016-12-10 15:00:39 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good Question. Both are correct.
Some species of sharks lay eggs and some give birth to live young. Depends on the species. They are a species of fish. some may be very small and some may be quite big. The whale shark is the largest species of shark and will measure 50ft. These large sharks only feed on plankton. Sharks may eat their offspring but not common.They are more likely to be eaten by another species of fish rather than the parent.
2007-02-26 15:16:16 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
That depends on the Species of the Shark...There are three different ways that shark are born,
Either by Eggs that are Laid in a safe place by the Shark
Eggs that Mature insinde the shark and are laid righte before they are about to hatch
And the third is like Humans, The shark is born as baby shark from the mother shark..
Hope that Helps
- Raj
2007-02-26 15:12:03 · answer #4 · answered by Raj 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Different shark species give birth in different ways.
Oviparous sharks actually lay eggs (also called 'mermaid's purses' because of their particular shape)...horn sharks, cat sharks, Port Jackson sharks, and swell sharks fall into this category.
Viviparous sharks maintain a placental link to their young (like mammals)...the young are born alive and fully functional. Hammerheads, requiem sharks (bull & tiger), basking sharks, and the smooth dogfish are viviparious.
Ovoviviparous sharks have eggs that develope within the shark's body. Most sharks are this type....such as the grey nurse and Whale shark.
2007-02-26 15:13:58 · answer #5 · answered by swilliamrex 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
hi again!
some lay eggs some give birth to live young. The Bull shark thats in our aussie waters has a spiral cone egg which when layed slowly drives itself into the ground away from any harm. Its not a duckbillpatypus its just a platypus you can call it whatever you like and they lay eggs because there monotreams (mono tree ms) the platypus and Echinda both use this system of laying eggs but they keep them in a pouch until ready to hatch
2007-02-26 18:59:50 · answer #6 · answered by monkeyd 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A shark is a fish so it lays eggs. Have you ever found mermaid purses on the beach? Those are actually shark egg shells.
2016-03-18 03:25:28 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sharks give birth. No eggs.
2007-02-26 15:08:36 · answer #8 · answered by wait. 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You're both right!
Some species are born alive and some are born in eggs. You can often find the egg cases washed up on beaches. The eggs are called 'mermaid's purses' when they wash up.
2007-02-26 15:11:44 · answer #9 · answered by HotGurrlz 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Usually, they are born alive.
2007-02-26 15:08:23 · answer #10 · answered by JD_in_FL 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋