Sharks are a group of marine fish known for their cartilaginous skeleton, streamlined body, and sharp teeth. There are over 500 species of sharks, ranging in size from the tiny dwarf lanternshark to the massive whale shark. Sharks are apex predators and play a vital role in marine ecosystems, regulating the populations of other marine species. However, many shark populations are in decline due to overfishing, habitat destruction, and other human activities. Despite their reputation as dangerous man-eaters, sharks are not a significant threat to humans, and most shark attacks are caused by mistaken identity or defensive behavior.
