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 Taxonomy and Classification |
Basking Sharks are members of the order Lamniform or mackerel sharks. Although not the most speciose group the Lamniform sharks are certainly the most diverse group and includes sandtiger, Goblin, Megamouth, thresher, Porbeagle, White, mako, Basking and Crocodile Sharks. |
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| Despite being placid, planktivorous and the only member of the family Cetorhinidae, there are strong similarities between Basking Sharks and the more active, carnivorous members of the order. The large gill slits, torpedo shaped body and near symmetrical lunate (crescent shaped) tail are all mirrored in the White, mako, Salmon and Porbeagle Sharks |
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 Classification Table For The Basking Shark |
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Kingdom:
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Animalia
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Animal
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Phlyum:
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Chordata
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Posses Spinal Chord
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Class:
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Chondrichthyes
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Cartilaginous Fish
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Subclass:
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Elasmobranchii
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Sharks, skates and rays
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Order:
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Lamniformes
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Mackerel Sharks
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Family:
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Cetorhinidae
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Basking Sharks
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Genus:
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Cetorhinus
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Species:
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maximus
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