Create a mind map/flow chart showcasing the various evolutionary traits of a hammerhead shark. Elaborate with an explanation with regard to the sensory organs used to detect electric fields. Comment on the strength of its sensitivity with the help of an analogy.
Background
Mallet-shaped head full of sensory organs (cephalofoil) with eyes set on either end
Can grow upto 6 metres long
Average Weight = 450 kg
Found in temperate and tropical waters
Visual Field
360 Degrees Vertical Visual Field
Horizontal Visual Field Ranges from 320 - 340 Degrees
They travel in massive groups when migrating to cold water
Hydrodynamics
Hammerheads are some of the most effective predators among sharks. They catch and devour stingrays, octopuses and even other sharks. This may have been the primary influence the evolution of the hammerhead cephalofoil.
Hammerheads have to use much more energy than other, normal shark species due to increased drag.
When the head is tilted up or down, strong forces come into play. quickly come into play. When the angle of attack changes, the shark can rapidly ascend or descend.
The Hammerhead is made for Maneuverability
Other sharks do not possess this characteristic. It influenced the hammerhead as their primary preys are preys that are on the surface
Ability to detect Electrical Fields in the Water
It’s an ability to detect the electrical fields that permeate the water, giving navigational cues and information about the location of prey.
Sharks' electroreception abilities are the most finely tuned
Sharks receive tiny electrical signals from their environment via a series of pores peppered over their heads.These pores are filled with an electrically conductive jelly, and lead to tiny bulbous cells, called ampullae of Lorenzini.
All animals generate electricity around them as their muscles contract in movement and their heart beats, and this current flows in the water. When these electrical currents travel towards the shark and through the jelly, they stimulate cilia. This triggers the sensory neurons. This then triggers neurotransmitters in sharks' brains, which indicates if something in
It works in turbulent water, in total darkness and even when prey are hidden beneath the sand.
With a wider head, hammerheads have a greater number of electrosensory pores. The pores are also located over a broader area, which increases the surface area that the head can sample, and thus increases the probability of a prey encounter.