Mary Allen
Introduction: The Misunderstood Predator
Sharks are often portrayed as ferocious monsters in the media, but in reality, they play a vital role in our ecosystem. Sharks have been on Earth for over 400 million years, making them one of the oldest creatures on the planet. They are apex predators and help regulate the ocean’s food chain. Despite their importance, shark populations are declining due to overfishing and habitat destruction.
Sharks as Indicators of Ocean Health
Sharks are known as “indicator species” because their presence, absence, or behavior can indicate the health of an entire marine ecosystem. As predators, they help control the population of other marine animals, preventing overgrazing of seagrass beds and coral reefs. If shark populations decline, their prey may overgraze these areas, leading to a decline in biodiversity. Additionally, sharks are sensitive to changes in water temperature and pollution levels, making them important indicators of climate change and ocean pollution.