Adaptations can be a body part or a behavior that help an animal survive. These adaptations include protective spines, sharp teeth, poisonous flesh, and stinging cells. Some adaptations may be dangerous to humans. Dangerous sea animals are important members of the ocean ecosystem. Each organism in an ecosystem has a particular role.
Organisms work together to keep their ecosystem healthy and productive.
Removing an ecosystem member may upset the natural balance. For example, despite their fearsome reputation, sharks are one of the most valuable animals in the sea. As predators, they help maintain healthy populations of marine animals by eating ill, weak, old, and injured animals. However, people use sharks for food, medicines, vitamins, weapons, jewelry, and sand paper. Following fishing regulations and keeping water clean are ways people can keep ecosystems healthy.