Apex consumers
Definition
Apex consumers, also known as apex predators, are organisms at the top of the food chain with no natural predators. They play a crucial role in maintaining the balance and health of their ecosystems.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
- Apex consumers regulate the populations of other species, preventing overpopulation and promoting biodiversity.
- They can influence the structure of ecosystems through trophic cascades.
- Examples include lions, sharks, and eagles.
- The removal or decline of apex consumers can lead to significant ecological imbalances.
- Apex consumers often have large territories and require extensive habitats to find sufficient prey.
Review Questions
- What role do apex consumers play in regulating ecosystems?
- Give three examples of apex consumers.
- How can the removal of an apex consumer impact an ecosystem?
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Related terms
Trophic Cascade: A process that starts at the top of the food chain and influences multiple lower levels.
Keystone Species: A species on which other species in an ecosystem largely depend; removal would drastically change the ecosystem.
Food Chain: A series of organisms each dependent on the next as a source of food.
