Profundidades ancestrales: Un viaje ilustrado a través del ecosistema marino

Abstract

The group of cartilaginous fishes, or “Elasmobranchs,” which includes sharks, rays, and chimaeras, has inhabited the oceans for over 450 million years, making it one of the oldest and most successful evolutionary lineages in history. Since their emergence in the Devonian period, they have developed numerous adaptations that allow them to thrive in their environments. Their evolutionary success is such that many species within this group are now apex predators at the top of the marine food chain. As a result, they have become a major focus of marine research due to their remarkable diversification. However, significant knowledge gaps remain regarding their biology and evolution. To address this, a bibliographic review was conducted to gather information on the evolution, taxonomy, and morphology of this group, with a special focus on Colombia. After reviewing approximately 130 articles, two main thematic axes were identified: first, taxonomy, evolutionary origin, and key adaptations; and second, current morphology, developed senses, reproduction, ecological importance, and threats. Based on this information, an educational booklet was developed to consolidate the findings from both thematic areas into a document that presents a broad range of information in a simple and accessible way for all audiences. The aim is to promote conservation by raising awareness about the threats faced by this group and highlighting their essential role within marine ecosystems.