Sharks are a group of fish that have a cartilaginous skeleton, five to seven gill slits on the sides of the head, and pectoral fins that are not fused to the head. They are classified within the clade Selachimorpha and are the sister group to the rays and skates. Sharks have a covering of dermal denticles that protects their skin from damage and parasites, and they have numerous sets of replaceable teeth. Some sharks are apex predators, meaning they are at the top of their food chain. Sharks are found in all seas and can live up to 2,000 metres deep. They range in size from the small dwarf lanternshark, which is only 17 centimetres long, to the whale shark, which is the largest fish in the world and can reach 12 metres in length.

Sharks have been around for more than 400 million years, and there are more than 400 living species of sharks today. They have adapted to various habitats and lifestyles, and have evolved different shapes and features. Some of the most distinctive sharks are the hammerheads, which have a flattened head with an eye on each end; the wobbegongs, which have skin flaps and camouflage patterns that resemble the seafloor; and the great white shark, which is one of the most powerful and feared predators in the ocean. Sharks can sense electric fields, vibrations, and chemical signals in the water, and some can even detect changes in water temperature and salinity. Sharks can also communicate with each other through body language, such as arching their backs, lowering their pectoral fins, or gaping their mouths.

Sharks play an important role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems. They prey on sick, weak, or injured animals, and help prevent overpopulation and disease outbreaks among their prey species. Sharks also provide food and income for many human communities around the world, especially in developing countries. However, sharks are also threatened by human activities, such as overfishing, habitat loss, pollution, and climate change. Since 1970, shark populations have declined by 71%, and many species are endangered or vulnerable to extinction. Sharks need protection and conservation measures to ensure their survival and diversity for future generations.

Sharks are facing many threats from human activities, such as overfishing, habitat loss, pollution, and climate change. These threats have caused many shark populations to decline dramatically, and some species are at risk of extinction. Sharks need protection and conservation measures to ensure their survival and diversity for future generations. Here are some ways that people can help protect sharks and their habitats:

• Support sustainable shark fisheries and avoid consuming shark products that come from illegal, unregulated, or unreported sources. Shark fins are often harvested through a cruel practice called finning, where sharks are caught, their fins are cut off, and they are thrown back into the water to die. Shark fins are used to make shark fin soup, a delicacy in some cultures. However, shark finning is wasteful, unsustainable, and contributes to the decline of shark populations. Consumers can help by choosing not to eat shark fin soup or other shark products that are not traceable or certified as sustainable.
• Support shark conservation organizations and initiatives that work to protect sharks and their habitats. There are many organizations that conduct research, education, advocacy, and conservation projects to save sharks and their ecosystems. Some examples are the Shark Trust , NOAA Fisheries , Shark Conservation Fund , and Shark Savers . These organizations rely on donations, volunteers, and public support to carry out their work. People can help by donating money or time, spreading awareness, signing petitions, or participating in campaigns.
• Respect sharks and their habitats when visiting the ocean. Sharks are often misunderstood and feared by people, but they are not mindless killers that attack humans on sight. Most shark attacks are rare and accidental, and can be avoided by following some safety tips , such as avoiding swimming at dawn or dusk, staying away from fishing areas or baited waters, and not wearing shiny jewelry or bright colors. People can also help protect shark habitats by not littering, using reef-safe sunscreen, avoiding coral damage, and supporting marine protected areas.

Sharks are amazing animals that have been around for millions of years. They play a vital role in maintaining the health and balance of the ocean. By protecting sharks and their habitats, we can also protect ourselves and our planet.