Sharks and rays have evolved remarkable reproductive strategies to give their offspring the best chance of survival. Unlike mammals, which often provide parental care after birth, sharks and rays produce young that are prepared to fend for themselves from the moment they are born.
Among sharks, sand tiger sharks have developed one of the most unusual strategies of all. During gestation, the largest developing embryo in each uterus consumes its siblings, leaving just one pup to continue developing. This extraordinary process gives the surviving pups a stronger start but also contributes to the species’ very low reproductive rate, making sand tiger shark populations particularly vulnerable to decline.
Ripley’s Aquariums is conducting research both in aquariums and in the field to help fill critical gaps in our understanding of these fascinating sharks. Ripley’s is also home to Rip, the only sand tiger shark born in an aquarium in the continental Americas.
This presentation will explore ongoing research into sand tiger shark reproduction, migration, diet, wound healing, and more, offering a closer look at the biology and conservation of these iconic sharks found along our coast.
About the Speaker:
Jennifer Wyffels is a research scientist at Ripley’s Aquariums working to unravel the unsolved mysteries of shark and ray reproduction and embryonic development. This information is important not only from a basic science perspective but also because it is used to develop conservation policy for responsible management of resources. Dr. Wyffels has more than 20 years of experience and adventures with research that spans many disciplines and animals, large and small.