How Warming Oceans affects Metabolism of Sharks?

The scientists in a recent study concluded that, the warming of worldwide oceans because of climate change may affect the metabolism of sharks. The scientists conducted the work in the New England Aquarium and studied “Epaulette Sharks” which live off the Australia and New Guinea.

What did scientists find?

In the recently conducted study, the scientists found that warmer conditions had boosted the growing process of Sharks. It means that; these sharks hatched from the eggs earlier and were born exhausted. The scientists also found that the baby sharks were at the risk of being born smaller. They would also be born without energy they require to survive.

How the study was conducted?

The scientists performed the study using breeding program for sharks by the aquarium. The scientists first raised 27 sharks under the average summer conditions or in about 27℃. They were also kept under the temperature of about the 29℃ and 31℃. While doing so, it was found that the sharks reared in warmest temperatures weighed less than those who were raised in the average temperatures. They also exhibited the reduced metabolic performance.

About Epaulette sharks

It is a species of longtailed carpet shark belongs to the family Hemiscylliidae. It is found in the shallow and tropical waters off Australia and New Guinea. The shark comprises of a very large, white-margined black spot behind each of the pectoral fin. The shark is under 1 m in length. The shark has a slender body with the short head and broad, paddle-shaped paired fins. The sharks have nocturnal habits. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed the shark under “Least Concern” category.

Month: Current Affairs - March, 2021