Question

Trace the pathway of an ovulated egg (oocyte) as it travels through the female reproductive system of a shark beginning from the ovary and end with the cloaca.

Answer 1

Ans. Sharks undergoes internal reproduction. males have two organs called claspers attached to their anal fins. when mating they insert one of them into the female cloaca to transfer sperms that will fertilize the egg. Eggs released from the ovary into the body cavity are transported by the cilliary action to the ostium of the oviduct. There they are fertilised. After releasing sperms in tha cloaca, the female shark is left to carry the fertilized egg in her oviduct. gestation period if the sharks vary from about six months to two years. There are different types of shark egg development.

1. Viviparity

2. Oviparity

3. Aplacental viviparity ( ovoviviparous)