Understanding how many sharks reproduce helps scientists and conservationists protect vulnerable species. Since sharks generally have fewer offspring than other fish, overfishing can severely reduce populations.
The fact that only a few sharks lay eggs — and that the oviparous species lay eggs in lower numbers than bony fish — means each egg is important for the species’ survival.
Whether it’s live birth, egg laying or something in between, shark biology is filled with surprises. The next time you hear someone ask, “Do sharks lay eggs?” you’ll know the answer isn’t just yes or no — it’s a whole slew of possibilities.
We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.
