The elasmobranchs are distinguished by separate gill openings, http://www.answers.com/topic/amphistylic-vertebrate-zoology or http://www.answers.com/topic/hyostylic-vertebrate-zoology jaw suspension, and sensory http://www.answers.com/topic/ampulla (of Lorenzini) in the head region. also the lateral line system. their are probobly other characteristics but this is a good short list
Elasmobranchii is a subclass for sharks
Sharks are fish, of the class chondrichthyes, subclass elasmobranchii and the Superorder selachimorpha. There are about 440 species of sharks.
While each species of ray and shark are just that, their own species, both rays and sharks are fish and both belong to the same subclass of cartilaginous fish known as Elasmobranchii. Skates, which look very similar to rays, are also part of this subclass of fish. For more information about the subclass Elasmobranchii, please see the Related Links.
There are two subclasses of cartilaginous fish. Elasmobranchii and holocephali. The subclass elasmobranchii encompasses sharks. The subclass holocephali encompasses rays and skates.Sharks, skates, and stingrays.
The scientific name for the phylum of cartilaginous fishes is Chondricthyes. More specifically, sharks are categorized under subclass Elasmobranchii which is then divided into the subdivisions Selachii (sharks) and Batoidea (skates and rays).
Sharks belong to the class Chondrichthyes, which includes cartilaginous fish. This class encompasses both sharks and rays, characterized by their skeletons made of cartilage rather than bone. Sharks are further classified under the subclass Elasmobranchii, which distinguishes them from other fish types.
A ray belongs to the group of cartilaginous fish, specifically in the subclass Elasmobranchii. Rays are closely related to sharks and share similar characteristics, such as a cartilaginous skeleton and placoid scales.
The Bull Shark (Carcharhinus leucas) is one of the most dangerous sharks for humans.It belongs to the class Chondrichthyes, subclass Elasmobranchii, order Carcharhiniformes, family Carcharhinidae and genus Carcharhinus.
The whale shark (Rhincodon typus) is the only extant species of the family Rhincodontidae.It belongs to the class Chondrichthyes, subclass Elasmobranchii, order Orectolobiformes, family Rhincodontidae,genus Rhincodon.
They are members of cartilaginous class of fish.
While each species of ray and shark are just that, their own species, both rays and sharks are fish and both belong to the same subclass of cartilaginous fish known as Elasmobranchii. Skates, which look very similar to rays, are also part of this subclass of fish. For more information about the subclass Elasmobranchii, please see the Related Links.
Sharks are cartilaginous fish of the Superorder Selachimorpha.