I'm doing a report on shark and ray behavior for my pre-vet class and I have been trying to get some good information on tonic immobility. There is not much about it on the internet so any information would be helpful.

Sure! Tonic immobility is a phenomenon observed in various species of sharks and rays, where they enter a state of temporary paralysis or immobilization. It is commonly referred to as "shark trance."

To gather more information on tonic immobility, here's a step-by-step process you can follow:

1. Start with a general search: Begin by doing a general search on the internet using keywords like "shark tonic immobility," "shark trance," or "tonic immobility in rays." This will provide you with a basic idea about the concept and any readily available information.

2. Use scientific databases: Move on to using scientific databases to find scholarly articles and research papers. These databases include platforms like PubMed, Google Scholar, or ScienceDirect. By searching for keywords like "tonic immobility," "sharks," and "rays," you can find published studies on the topic.

3. Access scientific journals: Many scientific journals publish research on animal behavior, including tonic immobility in sharks and rays. Access these journals either through your university's library portal or by directly exploring the websites of prominent scientific publishers like Nature, PLOS One, or the Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology.

4. Read scientific papers: Once you have access to scientific articles, identify relevant papers and read them carefully. Pay attention to the abstract, introduction, methodology, results, and discussion sections. These papers will provide you with in-depth information about the behavior, triggers, duration, and ecological significance of tonic immobility in sharks and rays.

5. Explore specialized websites and conservation organizations: Look for specialized websites or online resources that focus on shark and ray research, behavior, or conservation. These sources may provide valuable insights from experts in the field and highlight ongoing studies or conservation efforts related to tonic immobility.

6. Consult books and documentaries: Consider looking for books or documentaries that cover shark and ray behavior. These sources often provide educational content and can offer unique perspectives on tonic immobility, accompanied by visual representations and examples.

Remember to critically evaluate the information you find and cite your sources properly in your report. As tonic immobility may still be an active area of research, you might not find an extensive plethora of information; however, utilizing multiple sources, including scientific publications and reputable websites, will help you gather the most reliable and up-to-date information available.