What animal is on top of the food chain

http://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/where-do-humans-really-rank-on-the-food-chain-180948053/

The animal that is commonly considered to be on top of the food chain is the apex predator. Apex predators are those at the highest trophic level in an ecosystem and have no natural predators themselves. They are often large, powerful, and have hunting abilities that allow them to capture and feed on a wide range of prey.

To determine the specific apex predator in a particular ecosystem, one needs to understand the food web and trophic levels within that ecosystem. A trophic level refers to the position of an organism in the food chain, based on how it obtains its energy. Producers, such as plants, are at the first trophic level, followed by primary consumers (herbivores) at the second trophic level, secondary consumers (carnivores and omnivores) at the third trophic level, and so on.

While different ecosystems may have different apex predators, some well-known examples include:

1. Lion (Panthera leo): In many African savannahs, lions are apex predators. They prey on a variety of herbivores, such as zebras and wildebeests.

2. Great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias): In the ocean, the great white shark is considered an apex predator. It feeds on marine mammals and other large fish.

3. Polar bear (Ursus maritimus): In the Arctic, the polar bear is an apex predator, relying mainly on seals for its diet.

It's important to note that the concept of an apex predator can vary based on the specific ecosystem and location. Additionally, humans can also be considered apex predators due to our ability to hunt and consume a wide range of organisms.