Showing definitions for apex predator

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Tech & Science dictionary results for apex predator

apex predator

American  

[ey-peks pred-uh-ter, -tawr] / ˈeɪ pɛks ˈprɛd ə tər, -ˌtɔr /

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.

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Etymology

Origin of apex predator

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

The dinosaur lived in Madagascar around 70 million years ago and was still considered an apex predator.

From Science Daily • May 20, 2026

They also found many arthropods -- a family that includes modern-day crabs and insects -- including spiny, stalk-eyed creatures called radiodonts which were the apex predator of the time.

From Barron's • Jan. 28, 2026

Their invention was like dropping a new apex predator into the investment habitat—an unfair fight.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 15, 2026

"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 • Aug. 23, 2024

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 • May 17, 2024