2006-09-15 09:10:57 · 10 answers · asked by openeyesore 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
1) NO. Wolves are NOT primary carnivores. Or at least they are not exclusively primary carnivores. Wolves regularly prey upon skunks, racoons, weasels and numerous other predators. That makes them secondary carnviores at the very least.
At the most extreme wolves may be 6th or 7th level carnivores. wolf - bobcat - raccoon - salmon- minnow - dragonfly - mayfly etc.
2) Shaun's claim that nothing preys upon wolves is nonsense. Nobody who is a zoology major has any excuse for making such a claim. A brief review of the literature reveals that wolves are preyed upon by:
Lions
Tigers
Bears (at least 3 different species)
Cougars
Badgers (as den predators)
Hyaena
And that is only a very preliminary list. Wolves are clearly prey items for numerous other species of animals.
2006-09-15 10:03:04 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually it's a secondary consumer...but I suppose primary carnivore fits the description as well.
Here's a little flow chart thing I'll whip up real quick:
Grass(primary producer)---eaten by---deer(primary consumer)---eaten by----wolf(secondary consumer)
It's best to think of it as a secondary consumer, it fits the trophic level description a lot better.
If you're wondering whether it's at the top of the food chain, it is. Nothing preys upon wolves directly(unless you count parasites), only when they're dead. That's when scavengers and detritivores(decomposers such as bacteria, fungi, etc.) step in and dispose of the carcass.
*cough* Wolves are not a staple prey item...sure a bear or cougar may be able to kill a wolf, but they do not eat them often if at all. And I don't believe lions, hyenas, and tigers live in North America outside of zoos.(and yes I know there are other wolves on different continents, but I believe this question is relating to N. American wolves) A badger may prey on cubs...but it'd be very lucky to get one.
Leviter, if you provide a source that catalogs wolves as being prey of another species, then that'd be great...but as far as I know the only thing that has killed wolves with any regularity is people.
2006-09-15 16:13:35 · answer #2 · answered by Shaun 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
The Gray Wolf (Canis lupus); also known as Timber Wolf or (Wolf) is a mammal in the order Carnivora. The Gray Wolf shares a common ancestry with the domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris), as evidenced by DNA sequencing and genetic drift studies. Gray wolves were once abundant and distributed over much of North America, Eurasia, and the Middle East. Today, for a variety of human-related reasons including widespread habitat destruction and excessive hunting, wolves inhabit only a very limited portion of their former range. They primarly eat meat.
2006-09-15 16:21:40 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
At times it can be a primary carnivore, in my E.E. book a chain is given as such,
Tree---deer---wolf and then lion
2006-09-16 03:58:21 · answer #4 · answered by sonali 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe the term you are seeking is obligate carnivore.
Wolves do fall into that category.
2006-09-15 16:22:58 · answer #5 · answered by david42 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi. If not it's near the top of the food chain.
2006-09-15 16:12:30 · answer #6 · answered by Cirric 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yup, it is. Wolves are at the top of their food chains.
2006-09-15 16:12:53 · answer #7 · answered by Megan C 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
...if you have a pack of them...they got that "Pack" mentality going...ruff!
...although, they are not pickey,,, Road Kill Works TOO!
...Humans are probably the Top, carnivore...love my steak!
2006-09-15 16:13:53 · answer #8 · answered by Rada S 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
no, its a top carnivore, it doesnt have many preditors
2006-09-15 16:13:08 · answer #9 · answered by cars_o_holic 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i prefer shaved, or even a landing strip, to wolf
2006-09-15 16:14:28 · answer #10 · answered by homeless joe 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋