Are cartilaginous fish are ectotherms or endotherms?
Cartilaginous fish, including sharks, rays, and skates, are ectotherms, also known as cold-blooded animals. Ectotherms rely on external sources of heat to regulate their body temperature and are often found in aquatic environments or cooler climates. Unlike endotherms (warm-blooded animals), cartilaginous fish cannot generate and maintain their internal body heat through metabolic processes. Therefore, their body temperature fluctuates and is influenced by the surrounding environment.