Hydrodynamic Form and Function of Hammerhead Sharks: Ontogenetic and Ecological Considerations
Date
2023-04-08
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Honors Program, The University of Tampa
Abstract
The planing surfaces of aquatic organisms are crucial in navigating their habitat and in providing energy-efficient modes of locomotion. The
hammerhead cephalofoil has been studied for both its sensory advantages and its possible enhancement of hydrodynamic efficiency,
specifically as a lift-generating structure. This project analyzed the cephalofoils and fins (planing surfaces) of S. lewini, S. mokarran, and S.
tiburo (the scalloped hammerhead, great hammerhead, and bonnethead sharks) using morphometric analysis to determine changes in the size
and shape of these structures with respect to habitat. It was hypothesized that these structures would be smallest relative to body size in the
coastal dwelling S. tiburo to facilitate maneuverability and largest relative to body size in the pelagic S. mokarran to facilitate cruising.
Furthermore, it was hypothesized that these structures would grow isometrically in both species given that they spend their entire lives in a
single habitat type (coastal and pelagic, respectively). In contrast, it was hypothesized that S. lewini would have intermediate-sized cephalofoil
and fins relative to body size and that these structures would grow with positive allometry in association with the transition from coastal habitats
(juvenile stage) to pelagic habitats (adult stage). Results indicate variability in size and shape of the planing surfaces, and partial support of the
above hypotheses. Further analysis is forthcoming in determining specific modes of growth and shape changes over ontogeny.
Description
Recommended citation: Johnson, Sam. "Hydrodynamic Form and Function of Hammerhead Sharks: Ontogenetic and Ecological Considerations." Honors Program, The University of Tampa, 2023. https://doi.org/10.48497/EPFZ-MM93
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Keywords
Hammerhead shark, Hydrodynamics, Geometric Morphometrics, Scaling
Citation
Johnson, Sam. "Hydrodynamic Form and Function of Hammerhead Sharks: Ontogenetic and Ecological Considerations." Honors Program, The University of Tampa, 2023. https://doi.org/10.48497/EPFZ-MM93