People often wonder about specific names for male and female animals. While some species have unique terms, like ‘cow’ for a female bovine or ‘hen’ for a chicken, others do not. Sharks, diverse and ancient marine predators, frequently raise questions about their terminology. This article clarifies how female sharks are referred to and identified.
The Simple Answer
A female shark is simply called a female shark. Unlike many other animals, there is no distinct common noun in English specifically for a female shark, such as ‘sow’ for a pig or ‘mare’ for a horse. Informally, ‘she-shark’ is sometimes used, but it is not a formally recognized scientific or common name. This lack of a unique term likely stems from less consistent human interaction with sharks compared to domesticated animals, meaning there was no practical need for a specific noun.
Distinguishing Male and Female Sharks
Since there is no unique name for a female shark, scientists distinguish them from males by examining their pelvic fins. Male sharks possess paired, rod-like appendages called claspers, located along the inner side of their pelvic fins. These claspers are modified extensions of the pelvic fins used during reproduction. Female sharks do not have claspers. While immature males may have small claspers, mature males have calcified claspers that extend past their pelvic fins, making identification easier.
The Role of Female Sharks in Reproduction
Female sharks play a central role in their species’ continuation by carrying and giving birth to offspring. Sharks exhibit internal fertilization, with the male transferring sperm via his claspers. After fertilization, female sharks employ one of three primary reproductive strategies.
Oviparity
Oviparity involves laying eggs, often encased in a protective leathery egg case called a “mermaid’s purse.” These eggs develop outside the mother’s body, relying on a yolk sac for nutrients.
Ovoviviparity
In ovoviviparity, eggs hatch internally, and the young develop inside the female’s uterus, nourished by their yolk sacs, before live birth.
Viviparity
Viviparity is where embryos develop inside the female and receive nutrients directly from the mother through a placental connection, similar to mammals, resulting in live birth.
Regardless of the strategy, female sharks invest significant energy into producing a relatively small number of well-developed young, which are typically independent upon hatching or birth.