Scientists overturn a theory about this shark’s strange head

Scientists have overturned a leading explanation for why male and female bonnethead sharks have differently shaped heads. Instead of males developing a pointed snout at maturity, both sexes actually begin with more pointed heads that become rounder with age, particularly in females. Scientists overturn a theory about this shark’s strange head.

Scientists overturn a theory about this shark’s strange head Science News from research organizations Scientists overturn a theory about this shark’s strange head Bonnethead sharks change head shape as they grow, overturning a long-held theory and leaving scientists with a new evolutionary mystery. Researchers from the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science and collaborating institutions found that the sharks’ shovel shaped heads become more rounded as both males and females grow older, with the change especially pronounced in females. Earlier research had suggested that males developed their more pointed snouts when they reached sexual maturity.

Tracking Bonnethead Head Shape The research is the first detailed investigation of both head shape and diet in bonnethead sharks from Biscayne Bay. Scientists also included sharks from Tampa Bay to see whether the same developmental patterns appeared in populations living on opposite sides of Florida. Bonnetheads are small relatives of hammerhead sharks and are the only shark species known to show clear sex based differences in head shape.

Males usually have a more noticeable point along the front edge of the head, while females tend to have a smoother and more rounded outline.