What specific hard-shelled prey, aside from snails and clams, is highlighted as part of the zebra shark's varied diet?
Answer
Sea urchins.
The diet of the zebra shark is notable for including prey items that possess tough exteriors, necessitating powerful feeding adaptations. Among the listed invertebrates, sea urchins, which fall under the phylum Echinodermata, are specifically mentioned as part of their consumption. The ability to process sea urchins and mollusks like snails and clams suggests the shark has evolved mechanisms, specifically strong, flat teeth, capable of effectively crushing these hard-shelled organisms to reach the softer internal tissues for sustenance.
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