SAVING SHARKS SHARK TOOTH IDENTIFICATION KEY Read this before you begin! Sharks have Identification of shark teeth without the several rows of teeth called denticles. shark they came from can be difficult, but, Generally, only the single row along the with the help of shark biologists, we’ve outer edge of the jaws is functional at any assembled a few common shark teeth into one time. The others are reserves, a classification key for quick identification. constantly moving forward to replace worn out or missing teeth lost during feeding. Select a tooth to identify. Each shark species has teeth specially Start in box “A” and compare the adapted to bite, tear, and/or crush its prey. features of the tooth with the Sharks that crush shellfish, crabs, and description. lobsters have flat teeth, while those that Choose the answer that is most cut or tear fish and squid have sharp teeth accurate and proceed to the box with saw-like edges. Sharks that grab fish indicated. and swallow them whole have spear-like Continue until the tooth matches one of teeth. Scientists and fishermen can use the the identified teeth. If your selection shape and features of the teeth along with has been accurate, the shark species has other characteristics of a shark to been identified. To verify your determine its species. identification, refer one of these online resources: To identify these shark teeth: Sharks lose a https://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/sharks/ lot of teeth, many of which can be found on fossils/fossil_modernsharkteeth.html beaches. http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/hms/sp ecies/sharks/rec_shark_id_placard.pdf Our actions can save or threaten sharks. Today, human activities have reduced worldwide shark populations an estimated 70- 90% because of overfishing, bycatch, habitat alteration, marine debris, and climate change. What can you do for sharks? Take a pass on shark Products of any kind, fish responsibly, consume only Gulf of Mexico seafood, and learn and teach all you can! And don’t forget to track Gulf of Mexico sharks at www.OCEARCH.org! .