Researchers from Florida Atlantic University have taken a very close look at the structures that cover shark skin.
The team used the powerful magnification tools available at the Marcus Research and Innovation Center to look closely at the small rough scales that cover a shark’s skin.
The scales are made from the same material as teeth, and they serve a dual purpose: On the one hand, they allow the shark to effortlessly glide through the water. On the other hand, they also serve as an armor of sorts, protecting the shark during mating.
While we know a lot about sharks’ dermal denticles, we still lack a full understanding of how these change in shape across the shark’s body and as the shark grows.
Commenting on the latest research, FAU’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Science associate professor of biological sciences Marianne Porter and the study’s senior author stated:
“Shark skin is far more dynamic than people realize. Our study shows that as bonnethead sharks grow, their skin doesn’t just get bigger – it transforms in ways that improve swimming performance and provide greater protection. These changes help reduce drag in the water and strengthen the skin against physical challenges like predators or mating-related injuries. It’s a remarkable example of how nature fine-tunes biological structures to meet the changing demands of an animal’s life.”
While co-author and Florida Atlantic Laboratory Schools Director of Research Tricia Meredith added:
“The advanced imaging and analysis tools we have at the Marcus Research and Innovation Center were essential for this research. Using scanning electron microscopy and precise morphometric software allowed us to see and measure the tiny details of shark denticles like never before. This technology opens up new possibilities to understand how these structures function and evolve, giving us a clearer picture of shark biology and biomechanics.”
You can find the original research here.
