SHARK KEY ANSWER KEY
1.Rajidae
2.Alopidae
3.Pristiophoridae
4.Carcharhinidae
5.Scyliorhinidae
6.Rhinocodonididae
7.Isuridae
8.Squalidae
9.Dasyatidae
10.Scapanohynchidae
11.Pseudotriakidae
12.Hexanchidae
13.Sphyrinidae
14.Mobulidae
1- Name 5 of the characteristics that you looked at in order to find the names of the sharks.
caudal fins, anal fins, dorsal ifns, gills, pelvic fins, body shape, lengths of fins, etc.
2- Dichotomous key is useful to scientists in identifying unknown organisms.
3- The main trait that was different between sharks 4 and 8 was is that shark 4 (Carcharhinidae)
has an anal fin, whereas shark 8 (Squalidae) does not.
4- The main trait that was different between sharks 14 and 9 was that shark 14 (Mobulidae) has a
front with two points that look like horns, whereas shark 9 (Dasyatidae) has a front with no
points that look like horns.
5- The main trait that was different between sharks 4 and 7 was that shark 4 (Carcharhinidae) has
a caudal fin where the top half is different in shape and size from the bottom half whereas shark
7 (Isuridae) has a caudal fin that is the same.
6- Answers will vary. Suggested dichotomous key is below.
1-
A. If the fish has a long, tube like body…………………………………Family I.
B. If the fish does not have a tube like body…………………………Go to statement 2.
2-
A. Has a dark spot on body…………………………………………….Family V.
B. Does not have dark spot on body……………………………………Go to statement 3.
3-
A. Has curly dorsal fin…………………………………………………Family II.
B. Does not have curly dorsal fin………………………………………Go to statement 4.
4-
A. Has two dorsal fins………………………………………………….Family III.
B. Does not have two dorsal fins………………………………………Family IV.