Do Mako Sharks Lay Eggs or Give Birth
How Do Mako Sharks Reproduce?
Mako sharks do not lay eggs externally. Instead, their eggs develop and hatch inside the mother’s body. This strategy combines the benefits of egg protection with the advantages of live birth, making them highly adaptable predators. Do Sharks Have Bones in Their Jaws
Mako Sharks Give Birth to Live Pups
Once the eggs hatch internally, the baby sharks, known as pups, continue to grow until they are ready to be born. Female mako sharks give birth to live pups, typically ranging from 4 to 25 in a single litter. Do Sharks Lay Eggs or Babies
Do Mako Shark Embryos Hatch Inside the Mother?
Yes! Mako shark embryos remain inside their mother, where they are protected from external threats. The eggs hatch internally, allowing the embryos to continue their development in a safe environment.
What is Intrauterine Cannibalism in Mako Sharks?
A fascinating aspect of mako shark reproduction is intrauterine cannibalism. Stronger embryos consume their weaker siblings or unfertilized eggs inside the womb. This ensures the survival of the fittest pups, giving them a competitive edge when they are born.
Why is Ovoviviparity Beneficial for Mako Sharks?
Ovoviviparity offers several advantages for mako sharks. It provides protection for the developing embryos and ensures that pups are relatively well-developed and capable of surviving in the wild immediately after birth.
Key Takeaways About Mako Shark Reproduction
- Mako sharks are ovoviviparous, meaning they give birth to live pups after the eggs hatch inside the mother.
- They do not lay eggs externally, unlike some other fish species.
- Intrauterine cannibalism is a unique survival strategy observed in mako sharks.