Male Scalloped hammerheads do the leg work [a.k.a hoes in different area codes]
A study into the gene flow of the endangered scalloped hammerhead [Sphyrna lewini] shows that females tend to stick to coastal habitats whilst males facilitate gene flow across the oceans.
Females invest more energy in reproduction - they need to develop the reproductive apparatus, suffer go through long gestation times, and move to coastal nursery grounds. Males, as always, have it easier. They contribute much less energy towards energy, and thus are expected to do a wham-bam-thank-you-m’am and move on to the next.
The differences in behaviour obviously have huge implications on population structure and distribution. This in turn means that any stock taking of threatened or endangered shark species MUST make sure they have data from both sexes to get a realistic picture of distribution, and create management strategies accordingly.
Interestingly, birds are much more chivalrous. The males stay put, establishing and defending territories whilst the females take their pick. Gives new meaning to free as a bird!


