Sharks: The Perfect Predators

A presentation by Dr. Jose I. Castro
Friday, March 6th at 8:00 p.m. in the Museum Space Gallery
Refreshments served

Sharks first appear as fossils in the rocks of the Devonian period some 450 million years ago. Since that time sharks have competed successfully with other similar marine predators. In his presentation, Dr. Castro will examine the many adaptations that have made sharks the supreme predators in the oceans today.

Sharks show an amazing variety of form and size, ranging from the largest fishes in the oceans to some that are full grown at only a few inches. They have evolved amazing sense organs, and have solved the problems that plague other predators today, evolving some unique systems that allow them to find their prey in the absence of olfactory or visual clues. Their teeth and powerful jaws are one of the most efficient cutting instruments in the animal kingdom, allowing them to attack and consume larger prey. The evolution of viviparity -- giving birth to live young that are miniature sharks -- has also contributed to their success.



About Dr. Castro

Dr. Castro is a research scientist with NOAA Fisheries Service and a Senior Scientist with Mote Marine Laboratory. Prior to his present position he worked as a shark biologist for the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in the Caribbean. He received a B.S. from the University of Miami and a Ph.D. in Zoology from Clemson University.

Dr. Castro is a specialist on sharks. Most of his research has been on the reproductive biology of sharks, their use of nursery areas, the management of shark fisheries, and the conservation of sharks. Dr. Castro has collaborated with shark researchers worldwide, collecting specimens from all over North America as well as Trinidad, Mexico, Portugal, Canada and Jamaica. He is well known as a lecturer and photographer, and is frequently called in as an expert advisor on sharks at aquariums around the world. Dr. Castro's expertise is also called upon by researchers from all over the world, whenever a new or rare shark is found.


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