Shark and Ray Biology

Prerequisites: One course in general/organismal biology (or equivalent).

This course will provide an introduction to the biology of sharks and rays, with special emphasis on regional shark fauna and field techniques. Topics to be covered include chondrichthyan origin, systematics, sensory biology, locomotion, food consumption, osmoregulation, reproductive biology, life history, ecology, fisheries and conservation. Lectures will be supplemented with discussions of papers from the primary literature to familiarize students with current research. In addition, longline and gillnet sampling will provide students with firsthand knowledge of field techniques and local shark identification.