After 450 million years of evolutionary history, shark populations are collapsing, and more than a third of shark species and their relatives face extinction. Now scientists are trying to use the lure of “Jaws” to advance shark conservation efforts.

The toothy villain of “Jaws” terrified audiences in 1975. Offscreen, the hit film — which is celebrating its 50th anniversary — impacted sharks in unexpected ways.

Friday marks 50 years since the movie "Jaws" was released in theaters. The movie transformed cinema. It also had a huge impact on how people view sharks,