What specialized pigment-containing cells drive the ontogenetic color change in Stegostoma fasciatum?
Answer
Chromatophores
The biological mechanism responsible for the dramatic transformation from striped juvenile to spotted adult relies on specialized cells within the shark's skin known as chromatophores. These cells are pigment-containing structures whose distribution or concentration changes significantly as the shark matures. This process allows the shark to overhaul its visual appearance, an adaptive camouflage strategy ensuring it maintains effective concealment even as its physical scale and behavioral patterns evolve throughout its life cycle.
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