Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
As described by Paine in 1966, some sea stars (e.g., Pisaster ochraceus) may prey on sea urchins, mussels, and other shellfish that have no other natural predators. [19] If the sea star is removed from the ecosystem, the mussel population explodes uncontrollably, driving out most other species. [4] These creatures need not be apex predators.
An apex predator, also known as a top predator or superpredator, is a predator [a] at the top of a food chain, without natural predators of its own. [ 6 ] [ 7 ] Apex predators are usually defined in terms of trophic dynamics , meaning that they occupy the highest trophic levels .
Raccoons (Procyon lotor) and skunks (Mephitis mephitis) are mesopredators.Here they share cat food in a suburban backyard.. The mesopredator release hypothesis is an ecological theory used to describe the interrelated population dynamics between apex predators and mesopredators within an ecosystem, such that a collapsing population of the former results in dramatically increased populations of ...
Apex predators reduce mesopredator populations and change mesopredator behaviors and habitat choices by preying on and intimidating mesopredators. [6] When apex predator populations decline, mesopredators can access hunting and den areas once controlled by the apex predators, essentially assuming the role of an apex predator. [ 2 ]
For premium support please call: 800-290-4726 more ways to reach us
[12] One factor contributing to their success as invaders is the lack of predators in Tierra del Fuego. [13] Another is the reluctance of local people to hunt beavers, [14] which has led to the beaver population growing almost exponentially. Another factor is that Tierra del Fuego provides exceptional habit for beavers, with much of the area ...
Northern green anacondas are ambush predators, and are among the apex predators in the swamps, rivers and other wetlands of northern South America, spending most of their time submerged in shallow waters. They hunt by waiting for prey to come nearby, with the buoyancy of the water helping them to rapidly leap out and take hold of the prey with ...
Pages in category "Apex predators" The following 140 pages are in this category, out of 140 total. This list may not reflect recent changes. * Apex predator; A.