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Serum Steroid Hormones During Reproduction in Elasmobranchs

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Reproductive Biology of South American Vertebrates

Abstract

Elasmobranchs comprise one of the oldest, distinct vertebrate lines in existence today. While they are a relatively small group, consisting of only about 800 living species, they are highly adapted and, because of their size, numbers, and ecological role, may be considered a biologically successful group. Much of that success can be traced to the particular reproductive strategies evolved by the elasmobranch over the past 350,000,000 years. According to Lund (in press), elasmobranchs of the Carboniferous period reproduced in a manner similar to sharks today. The key reproductive elements include internal fertilization, production of a few well-formed young, slow growth, late maturity, and longevity. These characteristics are interpreted by ecologists (McArthur and Wilson 1967) as an adaptation to a stable, rather crowded environment. In contrast, bony fish such as the cod (Gadus callaris) grow quickly to maturity, produce thousands of eggs, and live only a few seasons. Such a reproductive tactic is more amenable to a fluctuating environment. Clearly, mode of reproduction is one of the most important elements for successful survival for a species. However, the reproductive strategy that served the elasmobranchs so well since the Carboniferous has today placed them in jeopardy. As mentioned, low fecundity is interpreted as an adaptation to a stable, more-or-less predictable environment.

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Authors
  1. L. E. L. Rasmussen
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  2. David L. Hess
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  3. Samuel H. Gruber
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Indiana University School of Medicine South Bend Center for Medical Education, University of Notre Dame, 46556, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA

    William C. Hamlett

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Rasmussen, L.E.L., Hess, D.L., Gruber, S.H. (1992). Serum Steroid Hormones During Reproduction in Elasmobranchs. In: Hamlett, W.C. (eds) Reproductive Biology of South American Vertebrates. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4612-2866-0_2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4612-2866-0_2

  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4612-7701-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4612-2866-0

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