10 Jaws-Dropping Fun Facts About Sharks You Didn't Learn From Movies

6. Reproductive Wonders of Sharks

Shark reproduction is as varied and fascinating as their species diversity. Unlike the rapid breeding cycles of many fish, sharks have slow reproductive rates, with some species taking years to reach sexual maturity. They employ a range of reproductive strategies, from laying eggs (oviparity) to giving birth to live young (viviparity). Some sharks exhibit ovoviviparity, where eggs hatch inside the female's body, and the young are born fully developed. This slow reproductive cycle makes sharks particularly vulnerable to overfishing and habitat destruction, as their populations take longer to recover. Understanding these reproductive strategies is crucial for conservation efforts, highlighting the need to protect these magnificent creatures from human-induced threats.