alpha predator
Food chain's peak
An alpha predator is the dominant predatory species in an ecosystem—one that sits at the top of the food chain with no natural predators of its own.
Wolves, great white sharks, and orcas are alpha predators in their environments.
The term overlaps with apex predator, though alpha may emphasize dominance within a group as well as ecological position: Lions are the alpha predators of the African savanna.
- apexUppermost point or culmination
- dominantHaving superior influence
- pack leaderDominant animal in group
- hunterPursuer of prey
- wolfWild pack canine
lone wolf · lion · shark · great white · eagle · tiger · big cat · pack · territory · carnivore · fangs · claws · stalking · kill · savage · fierce · top · food chain
alpha predatorprey
Animal being hunted
prey species · herbivore · grazer · quarry · plankton
alpha predatorscavenger
Seeker of refuse
detritivore · decomposer · filter feeder · bottom feeder · vulture
alpha predatorhunted
Sought to capture
vulnerable species · victim · quarry · omega · easy target
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