1. Shark Classification

2. Introduction To Classification
Classification is the act of distributing things into classes or categories of the same type.

3. About Classification
Aristotle was the first to form a useful form of classification in 300 B.C.
His was organized on the organisms blood color.
Then he later organized by physical characteristics.

4. As science advanced, a more modern form of classification developed…
One founder of modern classification is Swedish naturalist Carolus Linnaeus.
He developed a system that organized by special features an organism had.
He also founded binomial nomenclature for naming.

5. The modern classification system has become much more advanced.
Classification makes everyday life easier by putting organisms in a useful system.
Classification helps us to group the organisms we live with every day.
Classification also lets us have a system for reference and will continue to help as we study the organisms around us.

6. The Shark *Cartilaginous- skeleton of cartilage
*Aquatic- lives in water
*scales/denticles- small flat plates that fit together to form skin covering (tooth shaped)
*lateral line- sensory organs along side of fish to help navigate and sense other creatures
*gill filaments-threadlike; part of gills that are filled with blood vessels; where they basically breathe
*gill cover- bones (cartilage) of fish’s head that cover gills

7. Is the body kite-like if viewed from top ?No
Yes

8. INCORRECT
Try again..

9. Is there a small dorsal fin present at the tip of the tail?No
Yes

10. INCORRECT
Try again..

11. Good Job!
This organism belongs to the family Rajidae.

12. If body is kitelike (viewed from top) click this button
If body is not kitelike (viewed from top) click this button

13. Return to previous slide

14. WRONG!!
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15. If pelvic fin is absent, click this button
If pelvic fin is present, click this button

16. Return to previous slide

17. WRONG!!
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18. If six gill slits are present, click this button
If five gill slits are present, click this button

19. Return to previous slide

20. WRONG!!
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21. If only one dorsal fin, click this button
If two dorsal fins, click this button

22. Return to previous slide

23. WRONG!!
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24. If mouth is on the underside of the head, click this button
If mouth is at the front of the snout rather on the underside of the head, click this button
If mouth is on the underside of the head, click this button

25. Return to previous slide

26. WRONG!!
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27. Family Rhincodontidae
This is the whale shark. It belongs to family rhincodontidae. Like all sharks, the whale shark is cold-blooded. The whale shark can be 18 meters in length and exceed 10 tons! The whale shark mainly feeds on plankton, sardines, squid, and anchovies. It resides mostly in Western Australia. Whale sharks are often confused with whales because of their size and non-violent tendencies.

28. Does the body look kite-like if viewed from top?No
Yes

29. INCORRECT
Try again..

30. Pelvic fin absent or present?

31. INCORRECT
Try again..

32. You did it!
This organism is in family pristiophoridae.

33. If the body is kitelike, click this button
If the body is not kitelike, click this button

34. Return to previous slide

35. WRONG!!
Go back to previous slide

36. If pelvic fin is absent, click this button
If pelvic fin is present, click this button

37. Return to previous slide

38. WRONG!!
Go back to previous slide

39. If six gill slits are present, click this button
If five gill slits are present, click this button

40. Return to previous slide

41. WRONG!!
Go back to previous slide

42. Family Hexanchidae
This is the cow shark. It is part of the family Hexanchidae. Cow sharks can be about 3 to 4 meters long. They usually live deep down in warm, temperate seas. Cow sharks can have anywhere from 22 to 108 pups at a time!

43. Why we use Classification
Classification helps scientists characterize traits and specifics on organisms.
We use classification to put all of earth’s known organisms into group and families.
Dichotomous Keys help us to figure out what genus and species an animal falls under.
For example, if a new organism was discovered, a scientist would go through a Dichotomous Key to try to find out the subject’s kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species.

44. * T E H ! E D * N