What material composes the skeleton of Rhincodon typus?
Answer
Cartilage
The whale shark, despite its common name referencing a mammal, is scientifically classified within the class Chondrichthyes. This classification explicitly indicates that its internal skeletal structure is composed entirely of cartilage rather than calcified bone. Cartilage is a flexible connective tissue that provides support while being lighter than bone, an important attribute for a large aquatic creature constantly in motion. This cartilaginous nature is a fundamental defining feature separating sharks and rays from bony fish.
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