Why do hammerhead sharks have hammer-shaped heads?

The first hammerhead shark was likely the result of a genetic deformity. A biologist explains how shark DNA reveals hammerheads’ history.

By: Gavin Naylor, University of Florida, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: February 14, 2026

Words: 1,019

Last Updated: 1 month ago

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By Gavin Naylor, University of Florida

Curious Kids is a series for children of all ages. If you have a question you’d like an expert to answer, send it to curiouskidsus@theconversation.com.

Why do hammerhead sharks have hammer-shaped heads? – Landon, age 10

Hammerhead sharks are the strange-looking ones. They look like someone grabbed their skull by the eye sockets and stretched their heads out sideways, while the rest of their bodies …

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