Question

Scoliodon is called dogfish due to one of its following characteristics
A. Mouth
B. Gait
C. Carnivorous
D. Power of smell

Answer 1

They are streamlined-body aquatic creatures that have a cartilaginous endoskeleton. Having this characteristic helps them to search for food.

Complete Answer:
The Scoliodon is an elongated species shaped like a spindle. It has a body compressed laterally. A fully formed specimen of the genus reaches around 60 cm in length. The head, trunk, and tail of the body are divisible. The head is flattened dorsoventrally and a dorsoventrally compressed snout terminates anteriorly.

Now, let us find the solution from the options-
- Mouth is located ventrally like other fishes. Therefore, it cannot be the characteristics. Thus, the option A is incorrect.
- Scoliodon does not have the gait characteristics. Therefore, it cannot be the characteristics. Thus, the option B is incorrect.
- Dogs are omnivorous and the scoliodon are carnivorous. Therefore, it cannot be the characteristics. Thus, the option C is incorrect.
- Scoliodon is a fish which is cartilaginous. It is often referred to as dogfish because it has a strongly evolved sense of dog-like smell. This power of smell helps it to find food.

Thus, the correct answer is option (D) Power of smell.

Note: Scoliodon is a species found in the phylum Chordata and class Chondrichthyes. Scoliodon’s dorsal side is dark-grey while white is pale on the underside.