What common name is associated with the Order Orectolobiformes, where the Zebra Shark is placed?

Answer

Carpet Sharks

The Order Orectolobiformes is commonly referred to as the Carpet Sharks. While the adult Zebra Shark does not perfectly match the typical image of flattened, bottom-dwelling wobbegongs often associated with this moniker, its classification within this order is determined by underlying anatomical and evolutionary traits rather than superficial appearance. This grouping reflects adaptations suited for a more benthic, or bottom-dwelling, existence, which aligns with behaviors exhibited by the Zebra Shark, such as resting on the seafloor supported by its pectoral fins. This order placement is further supported by shared feeding ecology observed in many members, like specialized suction feeding from reef structures, a tactic employed by *S. tigrinum* to extract prey like mollusks and crustaceans from sheltered crevices.

What common name is associated with the Order Orectolobiformes, where the Zebra Shark is placed?

Related Questions

To which Class does the Zebra Shark belong, defined by its cartilaginous skeleton?What common name is associated with the Order Orectolobiformes, where the Zebra Shark is placed?According to the 2019 taxonomic review, what is the senior synonym for the Zebra Shark's species name?What reproductive strategy has been documented in female Zebra Sharks reproducing without fertilization?What material primarily composes the skeleton of members within Class Chondrichthyes?What defining morphological feature secures the Zebra Shark's placement within Family Stegomatidae?What structure must a Chordata possess at some stage in its life cycle to qualify for the Phylum Chordata?What two Greek words form the genus name *Stegostoma*, referencing a key physical trait?How does the global IUCN listing for *Stegostoma tigrinum* contrast with the Australian coastal population listing?What specialized feeding mechanism does the Zebra Shark use to procure prey from reef crevices?
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