This tough shark was the first thing I heard causing a stir.

Biologist: Researchers engaged in the exploration of living organisms.

Cartilage (Chondromycostal cartilage): A robust type of connective tissue typically found in joints, as well as the nose and ears. In some primitive fish species, like sharks, cartilage serves as an internal framework (or skeleton).

River Mouth: (adj. Estuarine) The point where a major river meets the sea, forming a mix of ocean, freshwater, and saltwater. These areas often serve as nurseries for young fish.

Evolutionary Biologist: A scientist who investigates the processes of adaptation that have resulted in the diversity of life on Earth. Their studies may encompass various topics including microbiology, genetics, species adaptation, and fossil records to understand the relationships between ancient species.

Field (Physics): Domains in which specific physical phenomena occur, such as magnetism (magnetic fields), gravity (gravitational fields), mass (Higgs field), or electricity (electric fields).

Hertz: The unit of frequency indicating the number of cycles occurring in a second for a given phenomenon (like a wavelength).

Marines: Pertaining to the ocean and marine environments.

Mosaic: Composed of various assembled elements or objects.

New Zealand: An island nation located about 1,500 kilometers (approximately 900 miles) east of Australia, consisting mainly of the North and South Islands, known for its volcanic activity. It also includes numerous smaller offshore islands.

Predators: (Adjective: Pillage) Animals that hunt and consume other species for the majority or entirety of their diet.

Prey: (n.) Species that are targeted and consumed by predators. (v.) The act of attacking and eating another organism.

Range: The full extent or distribution of something. This can refer to a natural habitat containing various plants and animals, the spectrum of mathematical values (from highest to lowest), or the distance perceived or reachable regarding an object.

Ray: (In biology) Refers to members of a group of flat-bodied fish related to sharks, characterized by broad fins resembling wings.

Shark: A species of predatory fish that has existed for hundreds of millions of years. Its body is primarily composed of cartilage instead of bone. Sharing a classification with skates and rays, sharks are part of the Elasmobranchs group. They typically develop slowly and produce few young, with some laying eggs while others give birth to live young.

Skate: (In biology) A diamond-shaped fish with a flat underside and a long, slender tail. Its wing-like fins are prominent from the head to the base of the tail, allowing it to glide through the water as if flying. Skates lay eggs protected in leathery capsules referred to as “mermaid’s purses.” Like sharks and rays, skates are classified under elasmobranchs.

Seed: A collection of similar organisms capable of survival and reproduction leading to offspring that can also reproduce.

Stress: (In biology) Factors such as unusual temperature, movement, moisture, and pollution that influence species and ecosystem well-being. (In psychology) A reaction that elevates mental, physical, emotional, or behavioral responses to events or situations that disrupt normalcy. Stress can be either beneficial or detrimental. (In physics) The pressure or tension exerted on a physical substance.

Organization: Composed of cells, forming distinct types of materials that constitute animals, plants, or fungi. Cells within tissues function collectively to perform specific roles in organisms. For example, various organs in the human body are made up of different types of tissue.