Sharks, Rays, Skates are examples of which group?

Sharks, Rays, Skates are examples of which group?

• A. Gills
• B. Jawless Fishes (Agnatha)
• C. Bony Fish (Osteichthyes)
• D. Cartilaginous Fish Examples

Answer: (D)

Sharks, rays, and skates belong to the group of cartilaginous fishes. Their skeletons are made of cartilage rather than bone, which is the defining trait of this group. They have multiple gill slits without an operculum, and their teeth are arranged in rough, tooth-like scales called placoid scales. Their jaws are also formed from cartilage rather than bone. This differs from jawless fishes, which lack true jaws, and from bony fishes, which have skeletons made of bone and a protective bony covering over the gills (the operculum). So the best classification for sharks, rays, and skates is cartilaginous fishes.

Sharks, rays, and skates belong to the group of cartilaginous fishes. Their skeletons are made of cartilage rather than bone, which is the defining trait of this group. They have multiple gill slits without an operculum, and their teeth are arranged in rough, tooth-like scales called placoid scales. Their jaws are also formed from cartilage rather than bone. This differs from jawless fishes, which lack true jaws, and from bony fishes, which have skeletons made of bone and a protective bony covering over the gills (the operculum). So the best classification for sharks, rays, and skates is cartilaginous fishes.