ThatQuiz Test Library Take this test now
How to Identify and Classify Sharks
Contributed by: Wallis
  • 1. What is the primary characteristic used to initially identify a shark as a shark?
A) Cartilaginous skeleton
B) Operculum (gill cover)
C) Bony skeleton
D) Scales similar to bony fish
  • 2. Which fin is NOT found in all shark species?
A) Anal fin
B) Dorsal fin
C) Pectoral fin
D) Caudal fin
  • 3. What is the function of spiracles in some shark species?
A) To expel waste
B) To draw water into the gills
C) To sense vibrations
D) To detect electrical fields
  • 4. What type of scales do sharks possess?
A) Ctenoid scales
B) Dermal denticles
C) Cycloid scales
D) Ganoid scales
  • 5. The shape of which fin is most important for determining a shark's locomotion style?
A) Pelvic fin
B) Dorsal fin
C) Pectoral fin
D) Caudal fin
  • 6. Which of the following is a characteristic of a hammerhead shark?
A) Luminous organs
B) Cephalofoil
C) Spines on dorsal fin
D) Barbels
  • 7. What is the name for the sensory pores used for electroreception?
A) Nictitating membrane
B) Lateral line
C) Spiracle
D) Ampullae of Lorenzini
  • 8. What is the function of a nictitating membrane?
A) Protection of the eye
B) Sound detection
C) Olfactory reception
D) Depth perception
  • 9. What is the most common type of reproduction in sharks?
A) Oviparity
B) Parthenogenesis
C) Viviparity
D) Ovoviviparity
  • 10. Which family contains the goblin shark?
A) Squalidae
B) Mitsukurinidae
C) Lamnidae
D) Carcharhinidae
  • 11. What is the defining characteristic of sawsharks (Pristiophoridae)?
A) Presence of barbels
B) Extremely large size
C) Bioluminescence
D) Elongated snout with lateral teeth
  • 12. Which shark family includes the great white shark?
A) Orectolobidae
B) Lamnidae
C) Squalidae
D) Carcharhinidae
  • 13. What is the primary diet of whale sharks?
A) Plankton
B) Seals
C) Squid
D) Fish
  • 14. Which family are carpet sharks a part of?
A) Hexanchidae
B) Orectolobidae
C) Rhincodontidae
D) Squatinidae
  • 15. What is the defining characteristic of angelsharks (Squatinidae)?
A) Flattened body
B) Elongated snout
C) Six gills
D) Spiraled intestines
  • 16. How many gill slits do most sharks have?
A) Five
B) Six
C) Four
D) Seven
  • 17. Which shark has six gill slits?
A) Carcharodon carcharias (Great white shark)
B) Hexanchus griseus (Sixgill shark)
C) Sphyrna lewini (Scalloped hammerhead)
D) Rhincodon typus (Whale shark)
  • 18. What is the term for sharks that lay eggs?
A) Asexual
B) Ovoviviparous
C) Viviparous
D) Oviparous
  • 19. What is a 'mermaid's purse'?
A) A shark's heart
B) A shark's stomach
C) A shark's kidney
D) An egg case of some shark species
  • 20. Which of the following is a filter-feeding shark?
A) Basking shark
B) Bull shark
C) Tiger shark
D) Mako shark
  • 21. What is the primary function of the lateral line?
A) Detecting vibrations in the water
B) Detecting electrical fields
C) Sense of smell
D) Sense of taste
  • 22. What is the general body shape of a dogfish shark?
A) Hammer-shaped
B) Saw-shaped
C) Torpedo-shaped
D) Flattened
  • 23. What is the function of claspers in male sharks?
A) Balance
B) Defense
C) Sensing prey
D) Reproduction
  • 24. Which shark is known for its distinctive elongated upper caudal lobe?
A) Reef shark
B) Thresher shark
C) Lemon shark
D) Nurse shark
  • 25. Which of the following sharks is most likely to be found in freshwater?
A) Great white shark
B) Mako shark
C) Hammerhead shark
D) Bull shark
  • 26. What is the term for the tooth replacement system in sharks?
A) Polyphyodont
B) Monophyodont
C) Diphyodont
D) Oligodont
  • 27. What is the purpose of countershading in sharks?
A) Camouflage
B) Defense against parasites
C) Attracting mates
D) Temperature regulation
  • 28. Which shark has a 'wobbegong' as a common name?
A) Orectolobus maculatus
B) Cetorhinus maximus
C) Squalus acanthias
D) Galeocerdo cuvier
  • 29. What distinguishes megamouth sharks from other shark species?
A) Hammer-shaped head
B) Spotted patterns
C) Deep-sea bioluminescence
D) Large mouth and filter-feeding behavior
  • 30. Which body part is used to identify Port Jackson sharks?
A) Number of dorsal fins
B) Harness-like markings
C) Shape of caudal fin
D) Presence of an anal fin
Created with That Quiz — where a math practice test is always one click away.