Mermaid's purse refers to

Options

A. a colony of sharks and skates
B. brood pouch of sea horse
C. egg capsules of sharks and skates
D. all of the above

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Term "Mermaid's Purse":**
- The term "mermaid's purse" is commonly used to describe a specific structure associated with certain marine animals.

2. **Identifying the Organisms:**
- The mermaid's purse is related to sharks and skates, which are members of the class Chondrichthyes.

3. **Describing the Structure:**
- A mermaid's purse is a pouch-like structure that is tough and leathery in texture. It serves as a protective casing.

4. **Function of the Mermaid's Purse:**
- The primary function of the mermaid's purse is to protect the developing embryos of sharks and skates from predators and environmental hazards.

5. **Specific Examples:**
- Within the mermaid's purse, you can find the developing embryos of species like the cat shark, which is a type of shark.

6. **Conclusion:**
- Based on the information, the mermaid's purse specifically refers to the egg capsules of sharks and skates.

**Final Answer:**
- The mermaid's purse refers to the egg capsules of the shark and skates.

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