Reproductive System
The Great White practices internal fertilization.
Male and Female Differences
Mother Great Whites retain yolky, thin-shelled eggs within the body until development is complete. Such a reproductive mode is termed "ovoviviparity".
Male Great Whites grooved organs that are used to deposit sperm into the genital duct of sexually receptive female sharks. These organs, called 'claspers', are developed along the inner margin of each pelvic fin (the paired fins located behind a shark's belly).
Life Cycle of the Great White Shark
Male great whites reach maturity at 9-10 years of age.
Females mature even later, between 14 and 16 years of age.
Peculiarities
After a gestation period of a year or longer, 5 to 10 (and possibly as many as 17) 3- to 5-foot-long pups are born in shallow coastal areas.
After birth, the pups receive no parental care and are left to fend for themselves.
It is believed that post-partum Great Whites may take a year or more off to rebuild her energy stores before becoming pregnant again.
Male and Female Differences
Mother Great Whites retain yolky, thin-shelled eggs within the body until development is complete. Such a reproductive mode is termed "ovoviviparity".
Male Great Whites grooved organs that are used to deposit sperm into the genital duct of sexually receptive female sharks. These organs, called 'claspers', are developed along the inner margin of each pelvic fin (the paired fins located behind a shark's belly).
Life Cycle of the Great White Shark
Male great whites reach maturity at 9-10 years of age.
Females mature even later, between 14 and 16 years of age.
Peculiarities
After a gestation period of a year or longer, 5 to 10 (and possibly as many as 17) 3- to 5-foot-long pups are born in shallow coastal areas.
After birth, the pups receive no parental care and are left to fend for themselves.
It is believed that post-partum Great Whites may take a year or more off to rebuild her energy stores before becoming pregnant again.