Yes, sharks do have a vertebral column, but it’s quite different from what you might find in more common vertebrates like mammals or birds. Sharks belong to a group of fish known as Chondrichthyes, which also includes rays and skates. Instead of a bony spine, sharks have a skeleton made of cartilage, the same flexible tissue that makes up human ears and noses.
The vertebral column in sharks is made up of cartilaginous structures called vertebrae, which provide support and allow for flexibility and movement in the water. This cartilaginous skeleton is lighter than bone, allowing sharks to be more buoyant and agile swimmers. So, while sharks indeed have a vertebral column, it is made of cartilage rather than bone, which is a key characteristic that distinguishes them from many other animals.