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Shark Tissue Samples Needed to Assist Phylogenetic ResearchFrom the contents of this website, it is obvious I have a long-standing and passionate interest in shark evolution and interrelationships. Working with my colleague, Mahmood Shivji of Nova Southeastern University, I am presently undertaking an ambitious multidisciplinary project toward resolving some ambiguities in shark phylogeny. Essentially, we are combining evidence from molecular genetics and morphology to provide new insights into how living sharks are related to one another. To do that, we need tissue samples from as many shark species and from as many geographic regions as possible. Volunteers willing to collect shark tissue samples on our behalf are invaluable to this on-going research. At present, we are particularly interested in receiving tissue samples from members of the family Carcharhinidae from all regions except the western North Atlantic, but we will be very grateful for any properly collected and documented shark tissue sample. If you are willing to help but do not have access to the proper tissue preserving materials, send me your postal address via E-mail and I'll send you tissue collection vials filled with an appropriate preservative. Below are guidelines for collecting and documenting shark tissue samples. Protocol for Elasmobranch Tissue Collection for Genetic StudiesThe basic protocol is very straight forward. There are two very important steps to keep in mind:
Sampling Steps:
Supporting Photography:If in doubt, however slightly, of a species identification, place a numbered or lettered card next to the specimen and photograph them together. Two views of each specimen are ideal: A) complete lateral (side) view, and B) underside of head and pectoral fins. Write the corresponding number or letter onto the specimen data sheet and insert it into the vial with the tissue sample from that animal. This will facilitate identification of the source species later. Submission:Send tissue samples and photographs to me at:
Richard Martin
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ReefQuest Centre for Shark Research |