Hyenas and Wild Dogs - mammals
Hyenas and Wild Dogs - mammals
Most animals that would be considered Apex predators have a few distinct qualities in common.
Generally that have a pretty well developed ability to adapt to almost any environment, and whatever limitations that do exist, are generally over come through cooperation, and the ability to communicate in a organized structure.
I would say Human's might be Apex only insofar that our humanity stays in tact
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Which tools specifically?
Not that I disagree, but I am seeing this thing about tools being thrown around like it is something particularly important. Very often those that make the tools are very rarely the ones that are proficient as using them.
Also society alone I don't think thrives because of tools, especially if you lack that most fundamental element and that is the human brain.
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Hahahaha NICE ONE ! HAHAHAHAHAHA! Damn good point.
Milli Vanilli, Bigger than Elvis
I get the sarcasm I am not exactly sure what you mean.
Polar bears aren't victims because of any inability they have, animals do starve to death even among predators. The reason Polar Bears are in danger is because of human ignorance and stupidity.
Or are you of the belief that saving Polar Bears along with other creatures should be done for simply and purely emotional reasons, rather than the most important detail being we actually need them?
Milli Vanilli, Bigger than Elvis
I didn't know that hippos killed lions - I knew hippos were fierce
Wolf packs are insanely dangerous. Not sure I agree about Gorillas being at the top, but definitely scary when they're pissed. VERY strong.
I think humans rank at the top - but an insurmountable margin. No other species on earth can even consider competing.
I guess my point was to make fun of people typing much prose mythologizing their concept of apex predators. Mostly looks like people bragging about their favorite spirit animal they happen to see on the Discovery Channel.
Above you mentioned that being an apex predator is a highly situational proposition. Contrary to post #155 when you imbued the notion of apex predators with mythical levels of adaptation and cooperation.
Happy Year of the Dog!
I get what you are saying, I think the term Apex Predator honestly denotes an exotic and misunderstood term. I am not sure how many Apex Predators have ever represented the threat to the entire ecosystem they rely on.
However everything I said it spot on, Polar Bears to my knowledge are solitary animals, they aren't to blame for their plight, but they most sure as hell aren't going to overcome it, and as someone else pointed out about a virus.
Milli Vanilli, Bigger than Elvis
List of apex predators
1. Aids
2. Anti biotic resistant pneumonic plague
3. Antibiotic resistant bubonic plague
4. Antibiotic resistant tuberculosis
5. Antibiotic resistant smallpox
6. Ebola
7.humans
Bacteria and viruses are not predators, they are parasites. And the most successful parasites actually don't kill their host too quickly (if they kill it at all), which makes Ebola a pretty shitty (albeit deadly) parasite.
For the list, I agree that it really depends on the circumstances.
Leopards can be among the deadliest animals if they choose you as their prey as they are fucking stealthy, pretty strong and can climb up trees in no time.
Lions are really dangerous apex predators if they are on the hunt as a pack. But they tend to be lazy and if they are not in the mood for hunting, they are quite calm.
Polar Bears are probably the most dangerous of all bears as they are true carnivores (unlike the brown bear species from which they originated), super big, super strong and take anything up to their size as prey.
Tigers are the strongest of the big cats and they can swim better than any human on top of that
And yeah, the ocean ranking would look pretty different, as only the polar bear might possibly stand a chance against stuff like Orcas.
Regarding humans, I wouldn't call them apex predator, but they can defend themselves against many of the abovementioned threats. Humans are omnivores and while they do hunt animals, they would most likely not go after dangerous lot like tigers, lions etc. unless it is for trophy hunting. Now most of the abovementioned species would totally go for a human though if they are hungry...
Saltwater Crocodiles can probably take out any terrestrial predator when they are at full size. I wouldn’t consider Hippos a predator. They’re just hyper aggressive herbivores (although they do eat meat in rare circumstances). Crocodillians evolved to kill and eat dinosaurs, so attempting to compare modern predators is laughable.
"We got sonic, electronic ball-breakers! We got nukes, we got knives, sharp sticks." How Bill Paxton didn't win an Oscar for Best Supporting actor is a crime.
Though Xenomorphs definitely deserve a mention for best apex predator.
Or Androids that look Michael Fassbender for best apex predator if you happen to be Ridley Scott.