A commonly used term for predators at the top of the food web, with no natural enemies, is “apex predators.” Many species of sharks are apex predators, and for many people they are the perfect example of a predator. However, over the last few decades, the number of sharks has declined due to hunting and other human activities. How has this affected other species in marine food webs? This discussion will help succeed in this course by helping you understand key features of the aquatic biome, and the role of apex predators in the movement of energy through food chains.
Read the following website at the Shark Research and Conservation Program at the University of Miami. Then address the following questions in your initial post.
Ruling from the top-down: Sharks as Apex Predators and the Need for Better Management
1. What is the difference between direct and indirect effects of predators on prey? Which do you think is more important? Why?
2. What is meant by a trophic cascade? Explain the example given on the website.
3. Do you think more effort should be put into the conservation of sharks? How do you think most people feel about sharks? Would they agree with you?
After you make your initial post, respond to at least two of your classmates.