Apex predators

[NASA]

There are many forms of predators in our ecology. The majority of all predators are also prey to a higher form of predator. Start with the lowly ant. They will prey on other insects. They in turn are prey to lizards, which are eaten by snakes, which are eaten by birds, etc.

Apex predators are those that are not prey to any other form of predator. I can only think of a few birds and mammals that are apex predators. And we don’t seem to be one of them. How many can you name?

 

[northernhunter]

Are we considered predators in this definition, b/c if we are then I don't think there are any apex predators.

 

[NASA]

With the exception of some "vegans" among us, we are considered as such. But remember, the ability to kill something is not the same as utilizing it as "prey". (Prey means food source.) Otherwise, a deadly virus could be the ultimate predator.

 

[Joetrapper]

I think it forms a circle. Top predators like the wolf and polar bear are 'prey' for parasites like mange, lice and trichina which can kill the host bear or wolf. Same with people. Then big bugs eat the little bugs and the circle continues.

 

[NASA]

Actually, they are considered "hosts" for parasites. They can live their entire lifetime without succumbing to parasites.

 

[NONYA]

old age is the only true apex predator,any of the big predators has to worry about humans killing then and visa versa.

 

[NASA]

Easy now, you're getting side tracked. Keep your references confined to the biotic definitions of predator and prey. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[Jack Roberts]

I can't think of anything that preys on killer whales but they do prey on polar bears.

Jack

 

[NONYA]

Humans prey on killer whales

 

[NASA]

Ever heard of Architeuthis dux? They eat whales.

(edit) p.s.- Orca's are actually dolphins, not true whales.

 

[Joetrapper]

Hey now. Going to Latin is no fair.

I think there is always some critter out there that can get you, even if it is only a mosquito.

 

[NASA]

Oh, sorry. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif Giant squid, up to 60', love whale meat. BTW, have you ever tasted whale meat? I have. It's pretty darn good! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[Joetrapper]

No, but I have tasted squid. It's pretty darn bouncy.

 

[Rim_Runner]

Here are some more apex predators
http://www.oceansofkansas.com/index2.html

 

[NASA]

We're lucky those bad boys went extinct 6,000 years ago. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[Rim_Runner]

You can see why humans were making tracks back then. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[TNyoteboy]

Go ask Timothy Treadnotsowell about apex predators. I'm sure he has some enlightening information.

 

[I.O.N.Doyle]

There is only one true apex predator left - the IRS.

 

[mikegranger]

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Rim_Runner]

Quote:
There is only one true apex predator left - the IRS.


How true and it's getting closer and closer to feeding time. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif