Behavior and Reproduction of Sharks

Behavior

The classic view describes a solitary hunter ranging the oceans in search of food. Migration patterns in sharks may be even more complex than in birds, with many sharks covering entire ocean basins. However, shark behavior has only begun to be formally studied, so there is much more to learn. Sharks can be highly social, remaining in large schools, sometimes over 100 scalloped hammerheads congregate around seamounts and islands. When approached too closely some sharks perform a threat display to warn off prospective predators. This usually consists of exaggerated swimming movements, and can vary in intensity according to the threat level.

Reproduction

Sharks practice internal fertilization. The posterior part of a male shark's pelvic fins are modified into a pair of intromittent organs called claspers which are used to deliver sperm into the female. Mating has rarely been observed in sharks. The male may bite the female to show his interest.