Sharks are a diverse group of cartilaginous fish known for their adaptability, variety of species, and crucial role in marine ecosystems. They belong to the class Chondrichthyes, which also includes rays and skates. With more than 500 identified species, sharks range in size from the tiny dwarf lanternshark, measuring about 8 inches, to the enormous whale shark, which can reach over 39 feet in length. They inhabit all the world’s oceans, from shallow coastal waters to deep abyssal depths.