Evolved for Extinction: The Cost and Conservation Implications of Specialization in Hammerhead Sharks

Austin J Gallagher; Neil Hammerschlag; David S Shiffman; Sean T Giery

doi:10.1093/biosci/biu071

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Evolved for Extinction: The Cost and Conservation Implications of Specialization in Hammerhead Sharks

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Evolved for Extinction: The Cost and Conservation Implications of Specialization in Hammerhead Sharks

Austin J Gallagher, Neil Hammerschlag, David S Shiffman and Sean T Giery

Bioscience, Vol.64(7), pp.619-624

2014-07-01

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/biosci/biu071

Abstract

apex predator

specialization

vulnerability

evolution

anthropogenic disturbance

The interactions between the evolutionary history of species and contemporary changes in their environment can result in both positive and negative outcomes for fitness and survival. Sharks are one the oldest groups of all extant vertebrates but, today, are among the most threatened globally, primarily because of destructive fishing practices. Hammerhead sharks (Sphyrnidae) exhibit extremely specialized traits and complex behaviors that have increased their vulnerability to human exploitation, which impedes conservation efforts. By bringing together published data on aspects of hammerhead shark phylogeny, morphology, biology, physiology, and ecology, we argue that the same novel adaptations that have historically contributed to evolutionary success have become maladaptive under current levels and modes of exploitation. Therefore, we suggest that future management be made in light of—rather than in spite of—the unique evolutionary and ecological traits possessed by hammerhead sharks, because similar patterns are threatening other taxa with high extinction risk.

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration
Citation topics: 3 Agriculture, Environment & Ecology; 3.2 Marine Biology; 3.2.92 Fisheries
Web Of Science research areas: Biology
ESI research areas: Biology & Biochemistry

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Title: Evolved for Extinction: The Cost and Conservation Implications of Specialization in Hammerhead Sharks
Creators: Austin J Gallagher - Austin J. Gallagher (agallagher@rsmas.miami.edu), Neil Hammerschlag, and David S. Shiffman are affiliated with the Leonard and Jayne Abess Center for Ecosystem Science and Policy, in Coral Gables, Florida, and with the R. J. Dunlap Marine Conservation Program, at the University of Miami, in Miami, Florida. NH is also affiliated with the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, at the University of Miami. Sean T. Giery is affiliated with the Department of Applied Ecology at North Carolina State University, in Raleigh
Neil Hammerschlag - Austin J. Gallagher (agallagher@rsmas.miami.edu), Neil Hammerschlag, and David S. Shiffman are affiliated with the Leonard and Jayne Abess Center for Ecosystem Science and Policy, in Coral Gables, Florida, and with the R. J. Dunlap Marine Conservation Program, at the University of Miami, in Miami, Florida. NH is also affiliated with the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, at the University of Miami. Sean T. Giery is affiliated with the Department of Applied Ecology at North Carolina State University, in Raleigh
David S Shiffman - Austin J. Gallagher (agallagher@rsmas.miami.edu), Neil Hammerschlag, and David S. Shiffman are affiliated with the Leonard and Jayne Abess Center for Ecosystem Science and Policy, in Coral Gables, Florida, and with the R. J. Dunlap Marine Conservation Program, at the University of Miami, in Miami, Florida. NH is also affiliated with the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, at the University of Miami. Sean T. Giery is affiliated with the Department of Applied Ecology at North Carolina State University, in Raleigh
Sean T Giery - Austin J. Gallagher (agallagher@rsmas.miami.edu), Neil Hammerschlag, and David S. Shiffman are affiliated with the Leonard and Jayne Abess Center for Ecosystem Science and Policy, in Coral Gables, Florida, and with the R. J. Dunlap Marine Conservation Program, at the University of Miami, in Miami, Florida. NH is also affiliated with the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, at the University of Miami. Sean T. Giery is affiliated with the Department of Applied Ecology at North Carolina State University, in Raleigh
Publication Details: Bioscience, Vol.64(7), pp.619-624
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Academic Unit: Rosenstiel School; Rosenstiel - Environmental Science and Policy
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article
Record Identifier: 991031613555002976