Current Search: Sharks--Anatomy. (x)
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Title
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A Comparative Study on the Tensile Properties of Shark Skin.
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Creator
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Creager, Shelby, Porter, Marianne C., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
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Abstract/Description
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Our goal was to assess regional differences in denticle density and skin tensile properties in four coastal species of shark. We hypothesized that the denticle density, tensile strength (MPa), stiffness (MPa), and toughness of skin (MJ·m^-3) would vary regionally along the body of an individual and among species. An hourglass-shaped punch was used to extract the skin samples at 10 anatomical landmarks and denticle density was quantified. Denticle density varied significantly among both...
Show moreOur goal was to assess regional differences in denticle density and skin tensile properties in four coastal species of shark. We hypothesized that the denticle density, tensile strength (MPa), stiffness (MPa), and toughness of skin (MJ·m^-3) would vary regionally along the body of an individual and among species. An hourglass-shaped punch was used to extract the skin samples at 10 anatomical landmarks and denticle density was quantified. Denticle density varied significantly among both regions and species, and showed a significant species by region interaction. Skin samples were tested in tension at a strain rate of 2 mm-s until failure. We found significant species and region effects for all tensile and denticle density properties. Also, denticle density increases with skin stiffness but decreases with toughness. Shark skin toughness is similar to that of mammalian tendons. These data show shark skin functions as an exotendon, able to conserve energy during swimming.
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Date Issued
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2016
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004761, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004761
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Subject Headings
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Sharks--Anatomy., Sharks--Locomotion., Surfaces (Physics), Biophysics.
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Format
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Document (PDF)
