Whaler Sharks - seafdec.org.my

16 S h a r k s a n d R a y s o f B o r n e o
mouth – opening through which food enters the alimentary canal.
mucous canal – part of the sensory network of the head of chimaeras.
multicuspid – a tooth or denticle with several cusps.
nape – region of head above and behind eyes.
nasal curtain – see internasal flap.
nasoral grooves – furrow connecting mouth to the nostrils.
nektonic – swimming organisms capable of moving against a current and thus not
only drifting.
nictitating eyelid – a transparent, moveable membrane or inner eyelid that protects
eye.
nomenclature – the systematic naming of animals and plants.
nostril – external opening of the nasal organs.
nuchal – pertaining to the nape.
obtuse – broadly rounded or having a blunt end.
oceanic – living in the open ocean.
ocellus (pl. ocelli) – an eye-like spot or marking with a marginal ring.
ocular – relating to the eye.
oophagy – method of matrotrophic embryonic nutrition in viviparous species where
the embryo feeds on unfertilised eggs in the uterus.
oral – relating to the mouth.
orbit – bony cavity in skull where eyeball is housed.
oviparous – producing eggs that hatch after being deposited from the body of a
pregnant female.
papillae – a small fleshy projection.
parasitic – living and feeding in or on another organism to the detriment of that
organism.
pearl thorn – nuchal thorn of stingrays shaped like an embedded pearl.
pedicel – small stalk, usually of a denticle.
pelagic – free-swimming in the seas, oceans or open water and not associated with the
bottom.