Unveiling the Mystery: How Hammerhead Sharks Acquire Their Unique Hammer

Scientists at the University of Florida have documented the development of bonnethead sharks, the smallest species of hammerhead sharks, revealing how their skulls stretch and distort into their distinctive hammer-like shape. Through careful examination of preserved embryos, the researchers observed how the sharks' heads widen and push backward towards the gills, creating the final shovel-like shape. This unprecedented look at hammerhead development provides insights into the formation of these unique creatures and sets the stage for future experiments to understand how they control their head shape and the evolutionary reasons behind their unusual features.