Yes, a shark is a fish.
Sharks belong to a specific group of fish called elasmobranchs. This group distinguishes itself because, unlike many other fish species that have skeletons made of bone, sharks (and other elasmobranchs like rays, skates, and sawfish) have skeletons made of cartilage. Cartilage is a flexible tissue, which is the same material that makes up our ears and nose.
Here's a breakdown:
- Fish Classification: Sharks are classified within the broader category of fish.
- Elasmobranchs: Sharks are part of the subclass Elasmobranchii, characterized by their cartilaginous skeletons.
- Cartilage vs. Bone: The key difference lies in the skeletal composition. Sharks have cartilage; other fish often have bone.
Therefore, despite having a different skeletal structure from some bony fish, sharks are definitively classified as a type of fish.
