Defense Date

8-9-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

Master of Science

Degree Name

Marine Science

First Advisor

Tamara Frank, Ph.D.

Second Advisor

Rosanna Milligan, Ph.D.

Third Advisor

Tracey Sutton, Ph.D.

Keywords

trait-based analysis, conservation, epipelagic, deep sea, chondrichthyans, elasmobranchs, Selachii, evolution

Abstract

Over the past few decades, scientists have been working together to mitigate human impacts on global shark populations, but deciding which species need the most immediate attention can be difficult. This study uses a newly emerging approach to ecology, trait-based ecology, to identify trends in trait expression with depth and determine which species have the most unique sets of traits. While trait-based ecology has already been applied to numerous fields, a trait-based approach to shark research is still in its infancy. A total of 15 traits across 337 oceanic shark species were examined to identify trends in trait expression and determine which species have the most unique sets of traits. These species are likely invaluable to the proper functioning of their ecosystem. Surprisingly, the trait that caused the most variance between species was not vertical distribution, but the presence or absence of an anal fin. It was discovered that species with an anal fin have higher trait diversity compared to species without an anal fin. More research is needed to understand the function and importance of the anal fin. Of the 33 species with unique sets of traits, one species, Carcharhinus obscurus, is Endangered and needs immediate protection to help preserve the species’ unique traits and the important role it plays in the functioning of the oceanic ecosystem. Literature analysis revealed a severe lack of available trait data. Additional research on traits across all shark species is vital to identifying and protecting unique species before it is too late.

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