New scientific research has been released to the public today for the first time, and it gives scientists a better understanding of the relationship between aquatic life which sharks interact with and this life's relationship with its environment. As well because of this research scientists now assert that they will have a benchmark for the health of our oceans.
"The joint study between researchers at The University of Western Australia and The University of Queensland looked at the visual adaptations of four species of wobbegong sharks, which are also known as carpet sharks."
"The study examined the western wobbegong (Orectolobus hutchinsi) and the dwarf spotted wobbegong (Orectolobus parvimaculatus, which are both found off Western Australia, as well as the ornate wobbegong (Orectolobus ornatus) and the spotted wobbegong (Orectolobus maculatus) found off Queensland."
"The researchers found that the eyesight of the western and ornate wobbegongs was suited to both day and night activities, whereas the spotted and dwarf spotted wobbegongs were better adapted to low light conditions."
"WA Premier's Research Fellow and Winthrop Professor Shaun Collin, Associate Professor Nathan Hart and UQ's Dr Susan Theiss said the results would lead to a better understanding of the sensory systems of marine life and help scientists better predict reactions to a change in light conditions."
"Dr Theiss said the sharks' visual adaptations were linked to factors such as their diet, habitat, whether in shallow or deep waters, and their reproductive behaviours."
"This research is important in establishing general trends and predictions in biogeography and ecology that we don't yet have data for," Dr Theiss said. "
"If we can understand their habitat, we can extrapolate and make informed decisions about other sharks and rays and how they are able to survive in different light environments.
To read more about this research please visit the following website:
http://www.sciencealert.com.au/news/20101011-21560.html
Once again a shark species gives us a hand at improving our understanding of the World!
Source of image of Wobbegong Shark:
http://inlinethumb51.webshots.com/38706/2838336090100390769S600x600Q85.jpghttp://inlinethumb51.webshots.com/38706/2838336090100390769S600x600Q85.jpg
