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

1. Apex consumers regulate the populations of other species, preventing overpopulation and promoting biodiversity.
2. They can influence the structure of ecosystems through trophic cascades.
3. Examples include lions, sharks, and eagles.
4. The removal or decline of apex consumers can lead to significant ecological imbalances.
5. Apex consumers often have large territories and require extensive habitats to find sufficient prey.

Review Questions

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.