The life cycle of sharks varies depending on the species. Some sharks are oviparous, which means they lay eggs, while others are ovoviviparous, which means they give birth to live young.
Oviparous sharks lay eggs, which are encased in a tough, leathery material called a mermaid's purse. The eggs are left in the open ocean and are fertilized externally by the male shark. Once the eggs hatch, the shark pups are on their own and must fend for themselves. This type of reproduction is also known as "egg-case" reproduction.
Ovoviviparous sharks carry the eggs inside their body and give birth to live young. The pups are nourished by a yolk sac while inside the mother's body, and once born, they are able to swim and hunt for food on their own.
Some species of sharks are viviparous, which means they give birth to live young without an egg sac. the mother provides the developing embryo with a placental connection.
Sharks have a wide range of life span, some species can live for a few years while others can live for more than a century.
Sharks are apex predators, they play a vital role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems. Due to overfishing, pollution, and habitat destruction, many shark populations are facing decline and some species are considered endangered.
