A class of cartilaginous fish that includes sharks, rays, and skates, characterized by skeletons made entirely of cartilage rather than bone. These fish also possess placoid scales and multiple gill slits.
From Greek 'chondros' meaning 'cartilage' and 'ichthys' meaning 'fish,' literally 'cartilage fish.' The term was established in the 19th century classification system to distinguish these cartilaginous fish from their bony relatives.
Sharks have been so successful with their cartilage skeletons that they've remained virtually unchanged for over 400 million years - if it ain't broke, don't fix it! Their cartilage is actually stronger than bone in some ways and much lighter, making them incredibly efficient swimmers.
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