Shark Bytes
As Shark Week comes to a close, new research on sharks
is being conducted at Cornell University. Graduate students are learning a
great deal about the jaws and teeth of many species of sharks using CT scans.
The images obtained show “structural patterns” that have
never been seen before. With the advanced software available for post
processing the scans, the researchers can view the teeth from all angles. This
allows them to learn about the shark’s growth, development, and evolution
without causing any harm to the well preserved specimens.
As the apex predators in the ocean, sharks play a vital role
in the delicate balance of our ecosystem. Species like the Great White are
difficult to study so research like this is necessary and important. Sharks
must be protected and treated with respect. We have so much to learn from them
if we can just put our fears aside.
http://news.discovery.com/tech/ct-scans-reveal-mysteries-of-sharks-teeth-120814.html