The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Science & Nature›Ecology›Apex predator
Science & Nature • Ecology

Apex predator

An apex predator is an animal at the top of a food chain or trophic pyramid, with no natural predators of its own in its ecosystem.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

An apex predator is an animal at the top of a food chain or trophic pyramid, with no natural predators of its own in its ecosystem. The term is used in ecology to describe species that occupy the highest trophic level and can strongly influence prey populations and ecosystem structure. In some ecosystems, scavengers such as vultures may be considered apex predators by some experts.

Definition

An apex predator is a carnivorous animal at the top of a food chain that is not normally hunted by other animals. In ecology, the term refers to its highest trophic position in an ecosystem.

Ecological role

Apex predators can influence the abundance and behaviour of prey species and may affect smaller predators and overall ecosystem dynamics. Their removal can lead to cascading ecological changes.

Examples

Frequently cited examples include lions, polar bears, crocodiles, great white sharks, and orcas. Which species qualifies can vary by habitat and ecological context.

The term is closely related to top predator and superpredator. Some sources distinguish apex predators from keystone species, although the categories can overlap in ecological impact.

Key facts

  • Apex predators are defined by their position at the top of a food chain rather than by size alone.
  • They have few or no natural predators in their adult stage.
  • The term is used in ecology and trophic-dynamics contexts.
  • Apex predators can affect prey numbers and broader ecosystem structure.
  • Examples commonly cited include big cats, bears, crocodiles, sharks, and orcas.
🍁
Canadian context

In Canada, the concept is relevant to species such as polar bears and wolves, which are often discussed in ecological studies of northern and terrestrial food webs.

Frequently asked questions

What is an apex predator?
An apex predator is a predator at the top of a food chain that is not normally preyed upon by other animals.
Are apex predators always the biggest animals?
No. Apex status depends on trophic position and lack of predators, not size alone.
What are common examples of apex predators?
Common examples include lions, polar bears, crocodiles, sharks, and orcas.
Do apex predators affect ecosystems?
Yes. They can regulate prey populations and influence broader ecosystem structure.
Can scavengers be apex predators?
In some ecosystems, some experts consider scavengers such as vultures to be apex predators.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/science/apex-predator
    Supports: Definition, trophic position, and note that some experts may include scavengers such as vultures
  2. Merriam-Webster — https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apex%20predator
    Supports: Definition as a predator at the top of a food chain not preyed upon by other animals
  3. Dictionary.com — https://www.dictionary.com/culture/tech-science/apex-predator
    Supports: Plain-language definition and examples of apex predators
  4. Oregon State University Global Trophic Cascades Program — https://trophiccascades.forestry.oregonstate.edu/sites/default/files/Oikos_2015.pdf
    Supports: Ecological role of large predators and their influence on ecosystems