apex predator

[ ey-peks pred-uh-ter, -tawr ]

noun

1. a carnivore that preys on other animals but has no natural predators of its own; the predator at the top of a particular food chain:

   Sharks fill an important ecological niche as apex predators, keeping the population of other species from exploding.

Word History and Origins

Origin of apex predator¹

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

The frozen carcass provides a remarkable snapshot of a bygone apex predator.

From Science Magazine

"So these dolphins are top of the food chain and the apex predator so this is a really safe, shallow protected nursery for these mothers to raise their calves and that's why their population is currently thriving so well," she added.

From BBC

"Let's remember they are an apex predator and probably not one that's best kept for captivity," Ms Worden told reporters, adding that there were instances of crocodiles attacking their owners in the region.

From BBC

Proposed legislation to explore what it would take to reintroduce the rugged and elusive apex predator to the state’s high mountains died Thursday at the state Capitol.

From Los Angeles Times

They also have the potential to help restore balance in an ecosystem that once relied on the apex predator as gardeners — tilling soils for plants and dispersing seeds through their scat.

From Seattle Times