Thresher Shark
By: B. H.
Kingdom| Phylum| Class| Order| Family| Genius and Species| Works Cited
Kingdom: Animalia
Its cells lack cell walls
It is a heterotroph
Its cells are organized into tissues which are then
organized into specialized organs
It reproduces sexually
It is capable of rapid and complex movement
Its development is characterized by distinctive stages, a blastula and a grastula
Phylum: Chordata
It produces a notochord
Bilateral symmetry
Segmented body including segmented muscles
Three germ layers
Vertebrate
Single dorsal
Hollow nerve cord
Tail projecting beyond anus
Class: Chondrichthyes
it has cartilage
Order: Lamniformes
they have mouths that stretch behind the eyes
they have two dorsal fins
they have a long snout
it has five gill slits
it has an anal fin
it has no nictitating eyelids
it has no fin spines
Family: Alopiidae
it has a large tail
Genius and Species: Alopias Vulpinus
gray upper body
white belly
large eyes
nocturnal
large tail
The thresher shark is an extremely amazing animal because of its gigantic tail fins which are used to help propel itself out pf the water. From the phylum Chordata the thresher shark which is an invertebrate and a very awesome animal. The thresher sharks various characteristics allow it to survive in the warm ocean water.
Thresher sharks are very unique and interesting animals. For example, they have small jaws, sharp teeth, and a tail. This shows that these parts are used to capture and eat food. For example, the thresher shark is shaded blue- gray. this shows that this characteristic can be used as camouflage and to help it blend in with the ocean. For example, the thresher shark is a powerful and natural swimmer. This shows that it has big fins and a tail with an elongated lobe to help it swim swifter and quicker. The thresher shark's characteristics show it is well equipped for the ocean environment.
The thresher shark lives in a very unique habitat. For example, the thresher shark eats a variety of fish and squid. This shows that these are the only available food source in the area it swims in. For example, it is commonly found in tropical waters. This shows that it likes warm water. In addition, it is found in the Eastern and Western Atlantic, Central Pacific, and Indo west Pacific. This shows that it is found in these areas because they are warm. In conclusion, the thresher shark has a very unique habitat.
The thresher shark's habitat and its physical characteristics is what makes this animal unique as well as interesting. Thresher sharks are beautiful creatures who live in tropical waters so we should stay away from polluting these warm ocean waters and protect them as well.
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Haiku A fast and fierce shark swims strongly through the ocean hunting for its prey |
Fun Facts
The thresher shark is long-tailed, a warm-water shark, and from the genus Alopias. The upper fork of its tail is slender and is about equal in length to the rest of the body. This shark uses its tail to herd the small schooling fish on which it feeds. The tail is flailed from side to side, sweeping the prey in front of the shark. It also slaps the water with its tail to frighten the fish.
Information
Common Thresher Shark. 2003. 16 Apr. 2003 <http://http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/sharks/species/Thresher.shtml>.
www.sdnhm.org. <http://www.sdnhm.org/kids/sharks/shore-to-sea/thresher.html>.
Muzzy, Catherine. Personal interview. 16 Apr. 2003.
Pictures