Shark research by Sulikowski Lab featured in newspapers across the country

Research conducted by James Sulikowski's lab is featured in newspapers across the country
Research conducted by James Sulikowski's lab is featured in newspapers across the country

A discovery by the Sulikowski Shark and Fish Research Lab shows some species of sharks learn to hunt while still in the womb.

The embryos of great white, mako and porbeagle sharks develop teeth at an early stage and use them to chomp their mother’s unfertilized eggs.

Photos posted by the lab show developed teeth in a 12-week-old porbeagle shark embryo.

β€œIt was ready to feed, they’re like a mini-predator,” Sulikowski said of the embryo. β€œThat this species began to utilize the teeth in development to feed is the key discovery here. It’s really cool.”

The research was done in collaboration with Lisa Natanson of the NOAA Apex Predators Program, and involved legally captured specimens.

Sulikowski told  that the research is helping scientists unravel a multitude of mysteries involving endangered sharks.

β€œWe still know very little about sharks, their biology and the tracking of their movements,” Sulikowski said. β€œWhere do pregnant sharks go, and why do they go there? Where do they give birth, and when do they go there?”

The article was featured in more than 30 McClatchy newspapers across the country.

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James Sulkowski in his lab inside the Marine Science Center
James Sulkowski in his lab inside the Marine Science Center
This 12 week old porbeagle shark embryo had already developed teeth
This 12 week old porbeagle shark embryo had already developed teeth

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