Shark babies remain strong in future acidic oceans

                                                                 

A recent study has been released that makes the claim that developing shark embryos will not suffer in future acidic oceans. Dr. Jodie Rummer and a team from the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies at James Cook University studied Epaulette sharks in their development phase. The group saw that there was no explicit differences in the growth and survival of acidic conditions as opposed to normal conditions. Therefore, the survival of the young sharks will be advantageous in decreasing pH levels. This is credited to shark gills having the ability to correct pH disturbances within themselves. The team raised epaulette shark young from between ten days after having been laid to thirty days after they hatched. They measured tail and gill movement and development, as well as yolk consumption. Two groups were watched, in conditions moving between normal conditions, and predicted acidic conditions of oceans from the year 2100. The team mentioned their concerns that the highest chance for mortality was before the babies developed their gills.

This study relates ecology for the purposes of increased chance of survival during predicted worsening conditions. Thus, adaptations and prerequisite conditions to survival are key to the class. It is relates due to the relation to climate change. With worsening conditions as the climate is affected negatively by human actions, it becomes clear that many species will soon die out due to inability to adapt. However, with certain species, like the Epaulette shark, they will survive and prosper due to their unique adaptations in their gills. So as time progresses, the species will continue with    little worry of extinction from climate based acidic conditions. This relates based on the focus of ecology, interactions within the environment, and the affect that humans have had on the environment and many other species.

Personally, I believe this to be a unique and amazing chance for sharks. As many sharks have had problems due to human activities, such as over fishing for fins, as well as other harmful effects like netting, the fact that this specie of shark can survive in conditions that will undoubtedly be harmful to other species will be a blessing. 

Photo credit: C. Gervais

Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/03/160308105629.htm