Mesopredator
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Part of speech noun
Quick meaning: Mesopredator is a noun meaning (ecology) A medium-sized predator which often increases in abundance when larger predators are eliminated.
Meaning
(ecology) A medium-sized predator which often increases in abundance when larger predators are eliminated.
Example Sentences
Raccoons, skunks, snakes, cats, and foxes are mesopredators.
Large predators are equally important as keystone species; their removal can allow predators in the next size class down to proliferate. This phenomenon, known as meso-predator release, can have a huge impact on ecosystems.
Word Forms
- mesopredators
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include hyperpredator, superpredator, macropredator, mesoherbivore, megacarnivore, kleptopredator.
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Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
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