apex predator apex predator producer producer keystone species keystone species decomposer
- Apex predator: A predator that is at the top of the food chain and has no natural predators. Examples include lions, killer whales, and great white sharks.
- Producer: Organisms that produce their own food through photosynthesis, such as plants and algae.
- Keystone species: A species that has a disproportionately large impact on its ecosystem relative to its abundance. Keystone species play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. Examples include sea otters and beavers.
- Decomposer: Organisms that break down dead organic matter and recycle nutrients back into the ecosystem. Examples include bacteria, fungi, and some insects.