Sharks differ from most other kinds of fish in a number of ways. For example, sharks have no bones. Their skeleton is made of a tough, elastic substance called cartilage. Most of the sharks have a rounded body.

Tail and Fins

Sharks can travel with great bursts of speed when excited. After sharks have a crescent-shaped tail that provides power for swimming.

Teeth and Scales

A shark has several rows of teeth. When an old tooth wares out of falls out, a new one grows in to replace it. Some sharks have molarlike grinding teeth. Others have razorlike cutting teeth, and still others have pointed teeth.

Small scales cover a shark's body. These scales make the skin of a shark very rough.

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