Sharks have a number of fleshy gill slits instead of a bony gill cover.How does this affect their behavior?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Sharks need a constant flow of water over their gills to extract oxygen from the water. Unlike bony fish, they cannot pump water over their gills. Instead, sharks have to keep swimming to maintain a water flow across their gills. This behavior is called obligate ram ventilation, meaning they need to keep swimming to breathe.

Sharks Have a Number of Fleshy Gill Slits Instead of a Bony