How do researchers safely induce tonic immobility in a zebra shark for sampling?
Answer
By gripping the shark's tail fins
Researchers utilize a specific physiological quirk in the zebra shark to safely handle them for necessary biological sampling, a state known as tonic immobility. This temporary, paralysis-like condition can be reliably triggered simply by firmly gripping the shark's caudal (tail) fins. This technique allows researchers to safely collect samples, such as tissue or blood, from wild individuals without causing harm, facilitating necessary scientific study despite the animal's generally docile nature.
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