ABSTRACT 



A general introduction to the class Chondrichthyes is presented. 

 Material included encompasses, in broad terms, characteristics of 

 the class and of its components. General statements on reproduction, 

 numbers and general distribution, size, food and feeding, sensory- 

 perception, structural adaptations to specific modes of life, and 

 relation to man are included. A short, annotated list of references 

 directs the reader to more specific and detailed sources for further 

 study. 



IV 



