What characteristic defines the Class Chondrichthyes for *Carcharodon carcharias*?
Answer
Skeleton entirely composed of cartilage
The Class Chondrichthyes is specifically defined by the presence of a cartilaginous skeleton, which is explicitly noted as being lighter and more flexible than bone. This structural difference significantly impacts the shark's overall mechanics in the water, including its buoyancy and potential for speed. This feature is the primary characteristic that demarcates sharks from the majority of other fish species, which belong to the Class Osteichthyes, commonly known as bony fish. The evolutionarily older, lighter cartilage structure is a key identifier for this taxonomic group.
Related Questions
Who established the binomial nomenclature for *Carcharodon carcharias* and when?What characteristic defines the Class Chondrichthyes for *Carcharodon carcharias*?What advanced physiological trait characterizes members of the Order Lamniformes?How do *Carcharodon carcharias* teeth differ from those of the *Isurus* genus in Family Lamnidae?What structure must be present at some developmental stage for placement in Phylum Chordata?What does the Greek derivation of the Genus name *Carcharodon* signify?What must an organism in Kingdom Animalia, like the great white, do for energy acquisition?Which classification levels for *Carcharodon carcharias* show consensus versus those still under review?Which class contains sharks whose skeletons are lighter and more flexible than bony fish skeletons?What is the primary benefit of using *Carcharodon carcharias* over local common names?