The Reproductive Biology of Pelagic Elasmobranchs

This is a chapter of the book regarding biology, fisheries and conservation of pelagic sharks. In this chapter, authors reviewed reproduction biology of 12 pelagic shark species (3 species of Alopiidae, 5 species of Lamnidae, and 4 species of Carcharhinidae) and one pelagic stingray (Dasyatidae: Pteroplatytrygon violacea). All of these species are viviparous, but they exhibit diverse modes of reproduction. The information of elasmobranch reproduction including litter size, birth size, gestation period, reproductive periodicity, age and size at maturity, and development are summarized.

Three connective sections, ‘Methods and definitions’, ‘Modes of reproduction’, and ‘Reproductive trends in pelagic elasmobranchs’, should be concerned. Through reading these sections, for the requirements of future reproduction biology studies on pelagic elasmobranchs, you will understand the definitions of terms to use, what data and information should be collected, and interpret their life histories in logical way.

Please use the questions below to help you understand : -Please adduce at least for reproduction modes of elasmobranchs, and give an elasmobranch species representing each mode. -Please describe the process of the reproductive cycle of one pelagic elasmobranch species.