How many gill slits does the zebra shark possess on each side of its head?
Answer
Five gill slits.
Like many sharks inhabiting various ecological niches, the zebra shark has a specific number of respiratory openings on its head. It possesses five distinct gill slits located on each side of its head. This structure allows the shark to draw water in through its mouth, pass it over the internal gills where oxygen exchange occurs, and then expel the water through these slits. Given that zebra sharks are known to spend extended periods resting motionless on the seafloor, sometimes remaining stationary for hours, the efficiency of this mechanism, often involving buccal pumping, is crucial for ensuring a constant supply of oxygenated water passes over the gills for respiration.
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