Wilga, C.D. and G.V. Lauder. Locomotion in Sharks, Skates and Rays. 2004.  In The Biology of Sharks and Their Relatives. (eds. J.C. Carrier, J. Musick, and M. Heithaus).  CRC Press. pp. 608. ISBN: 084931514X Selected as an "Outstanding Academic Title for 2004" by Choice Magazine (American Library Association)

REVIEW

• Discusses topics at the forefront of research for sharks and other elasmobranch fishes
• Presents extensive references to serve as an entry point for further research
• Includes over 200 figures, including 8 full color plates

Sharks and their relatives are* the subjects of tremendous interest. The public's fascination is influenced by their roles in movies and popular literature, while the media races to cover stories of predators endangering helpless humans. The alarming threat to shark populations is also garnering significant publicity and leading to a worldwide increase in conservation initiatives. Finally, technological advances are impacting every area of shark research and revealing incredible secrets about these mysterious animals. These major factors indicate the need for a timely synthesis of the biology of sharks and their relatives.

Biology of Sharks and Their Relatives brings together the latest information on the phylogeny, physiology, behavior, and ecology of sharks and their relatives, the skates, rays, and chimaeras. Written by a "Who's Who" lineup in North American elasmobranch research, this single-source review of elasmobranch fishes presents cohesive and integrated coverage of key topics and discusses technological advances used in modern shark research. The text establishes relationships among the sharks and their relatives that dominate the Chondrichthyes, describes their functions and physiological processes, and examines issues relevant to managing depleted and threatened fisheries. Each of the 19 chapters includes a comprehensive review of the subject with extensive up-to-date citations.

This authoritative book provides a synopsis of the current understanding of elasmobranch fishes while identifying gaps in our knowledge to stimulate further study. Its broad coverage and inclusive nature make this an important resource for marine and conservation biologists, fishery scientists, biological oceanographers, zoologists, ecologists, environmental planners, and students.

Table of Contents
PHYLOGENY AND ZOOGEOGRAPHY
    Origin and Relationships of Early Chondrichthyes, E. Grogan and R. Lund
    Historical Zoogeography of Selachii, J. Musick, M. Harbin, and L.J.V. Compagno
    Phylogeny of Batoidea, J. McEachran and N. Aschliman
    Phylogeny and Classification of Extant Holocephali, D. Didier
FORM, FUNCTION, AND PHYSIOLOGICAL PROCESSES
    Biomechanics of Locomotion in Sharks, Rays, and Chimeras, C. Wilga and G. Lauder
    Prey Capture Behavior and Feeding Mechanics of Elasmobranchs, P. Motta
    Metabolism, Energetic Demands, and Endothermy, J. Carlson, K. Goldman, and C. Lowe
    Food Consumption and Feeding Habits, B. Wetherbee and E. Cortés
    Homeostasis: Osmoregulation, pH Regulation, and Nitrogen Excretion, D. Evans, P. Piermarini, and K. Choe
    Reproductive Biology of Sharks, Skates, and Rays, J. Carrier, H. Pratt, Jr., and J. Castro
    Hormonal Regulation of Elasmobranch Physiology, J. Gelschleiter
    Sensory Biology of Elasmobranchs, R. Heuter, L. Demski, J. Sisneros, K. Maruska, and D. Mann
    The Immune System of Sharks, Skates, and Rays, C. Luer, C. Walsh, and A. Bodine
ECOLOGY AND LIFE HISTORY
    Age and Growth in Elasmobranchs, G. Cailliet and K. Goldman
    Life History Patterns, Demographics, and Population Dynamics, E. Cortés
    Genetics of Sharks, Skates, and Rays, E. Heist
    Predator-Prey Interactions, M. Heithaus
    Elasmobranchs as Hosts of Metazoan Parasites, J. Caira and C. Healy
    Habitat Use, M. Heupel and C. Simpfendorfer

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 5: Biomechanics Of Locomotion In Sharks, Rays And Chimeras
Cheryl A. D. Wilga, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Rhode Island and
G. V. Lauder, Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University

  Chapter Table of Contents 
5.1       Introduction 
    5.1.2     Diversity Of Locomotory Modes In Chondrichthyans 
    5.1.3     Body Form And Fin Shapes 
5.2     Locomotion In Sharks 
    5.2.1     Function of the body during steady locomotion and maneuvering 
    5.2.2     Function of the caudal fin during steady locomotion and maneuvering 
    5.2.3     Function of the pectoral fins during locomotion 
    5.2.3.1     Anatomy Of The Pectoral Fins 
    5.2.3.2     Role Of The Pectoral Fins During Steady Swimming 
    5.2.3.3     Role Of The Pectoral Fins During Vertical Maneuvering 
    5.2.3.4     Function Of The Pectoral Fins During Benthic Station-Holding 
    5.2.3.5     Motor Activity In The Pectoral Fins 
    5.2.4     Synthesis 
5.3     Locomotion In Skates And Rays 
5.4     Locomotion In Holocephalans 
5.5     Future directions 
5.6     References