Bonnethead Sharks: Heads Change With Age | Science News

Science News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Sep 5, 2026 · 2m

New research flips the script on bonnethead sharks, revealing that both males and females start with pointed heads—and it’s age, not sex, that shapes their iconic shovel-like forms. Females undergo a far more dramatic transformation as they mature, while diet doesn’t appear to drive the difference. Scientists tracked over 100 sharks in Florida bays, using photos and muscle samples to uncover how head shape evolves with age. The reason behind this striking dimorphism remains a mystery—perhaps sharper heads help younger sharks swim better, but as females grow larger for reproduction, that…