To which order does Rhincodon typus belong, alongside wobbegongs and zebra sharks?
Answer
Orectolobiformes
The whale shark, classified as *Rhincodon typus*, belongs to the order Orectolobiformes, which are commonly known as the carpet sharks. This classification group is notable because it typically includes species that are bottom-dwelling or sluggish. The whale shark's distinction lies in its pelagic, filter-feeding gigantism, which contrasts sharply with many of its relatives within this same order. For instance, the basking shark, another large filter feeder, belongs to the completely separate order Lamniformes, illustrating that gigantism and filter feeding evolved independently in these two distinct lineages.
Related Questions
To which order does Rhincodon typus belong, alongside wobbegongs and zebra sharks?What time period is associated with the estimated existence of the genus Rhincodon based on morphological fossil evidence?What is the key mouth placement difference between the whale shark and the basking shark?What material characterizes the skeleton of sharks belonging to the Chondrichthyes class?Why is the family Rhincodontidae considered monotypic concerning R. typus?What structures inside the whale shark's mouth strain plankton from the water during feeding?Which shark order does the basking shark belong to, demonstrating convergent evolution with Rhincodon?Approximately how long ago did sharks, as a whole lineage, establish their ancestry prior to dinosaurs?What is the suspected purpose of the white spots and stripes covering the dark skin of Rhincodon typus?What historical epoch saw the presence of whale sharks successfully navigating significant global climate shifts?