AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -chondrichthyan, (class Chondrichthyes), also called chondrichthian, any member of the diverse group of cartilaginous fishes that includes the sharks, skates, rays, and chimaeras.

Detailed explanation-2: -The sharks, rays, and chimaeras make up the second group of fish, the Class Chondrichthyes.

Detailed explanation-3: -Sharks belong to the Phylum Chordata and the Sub-phylum Vertebrata. This means they have a spinal chord, notochord and a backbone (vertebrae).

Detailed explanation-4: -Even though they don’t have any bones in their bodies, sharks are classified as vertebrates. They belong to the class Vertebrata, a subphylum that includes five different classes – amphibians, birds, fish, mammals, and reptiles.

Detailed explanation-5: -Are sharks fish? Sharks are fish. They live in water, and use their gills to filter oxygen from the water. Sharks are a special type of fish known because their body is made out of cartilage instead of bones like other fish.