Shark Biology Shark Biology Skeleton Gills Skin Teeth Buoyancy Senses Sharks are the apex predators of the oceans. Their biology has been evolving for over 350 million years. Lets look at some of the interesting characteristics of these great predators. Skeleton - Unlike the bony fishes of the world, sharks have a unique skeleton mainly composed of cartilage.
Sharks do have some bones, but it is limited to their spinal column.
Cartilage is a flexible yet sturdy material that allows the shark to maintain it's shape but to remain light and maneuverable. Cartilage can be found in the human body as well, just wiggle your ears or the tip of your nose. Gills - The gills of sharks are also different then bony fishes. Bony fishes have a operculum or gill cover that pumps water across their gills. Sharks do not have an operculum.