If humans manage to extinct themselves, which animal will evolve into the next dominant species?

Question

Dinosaurs ruled the earth, and then were extincted by an environmental change/disaster. We humans seem like we're about to extinct ourselves through environmental disaster next.

Of the species that might survive that environmental meltdown, which one do you think might evolve into the next dominant species, some time long later?

Serious answers are welcome. So are silly ones. Make me laugh or make me think.

Answer 1

one dominant species is very unlikely...

we are the only individual species to have as much dominance over all the others... in all geological time!

the dinosaurs as a group dominated but they where a huge variety of different species, no one species dominated...

when mass extinctions have happened in the past, the species that survive; diversify and fill the niches

most likely is that the next system will be an ecosystem like those found in the world today: primary producers, then herbivores, predators, secondary predators, apex predators etc

and as in the past no single species will dominate

we are a freak case due to our "increased intelligence"
hope that helps

but the truth is no one will ever know

Answer 2

Well, it'd have to be something that lives deep in the ocean, something that is dominant down there in a closed ecosystem that wouldn't be affected by terrestrial activity. It would likely be at the top of the food chain in that system. It couldn't be any mammal or anything that was once a mammal. It couldn't be anything that developed lungs, became terrestrial and returned to the ocean; there's only one known exception of a fish that developed lungs became terrestrial, returned to the ocean and re-developed gills.
The shark has proven to be the longest surviving ocean animal. Assuming crocodiles and alligators would be wiped out. I'd go with the shark that lives at the deepest point in the ocean. Sharks can adapt their diet easily so they would most likely have access to a closed underwater ecosystem.

Answer 3

If pigs survived the on slot of human destruction they would probably dominate because they are one of the smartest animals and their internal organs are much like humans so would probably evolve into something close to humans. If pigs didn't then it probably would be a new species that evolved not cockroaches since they already lived threw one extinction and didn't rule the world after it.

Answer 4

Good question. Well, if humans were to go extinct, I don't think any one animal would become the dominant species. Certain anminals will dominate certain domains, like dogs might dominate urban domains, for instance, but as far as one dominant species, I just don't see that happening. Currently, there are no animals on the same scale as dinosaurs, as far as size goes...

Answer 5

dominant species would be environment specific. humans have dominated almost every environment but the extinction of humans would allow for the 2º organisms to dominate their territory. so, whatever is the primary predator in each environment would be the dominant species in that environment.

Answer 6

Probably ants. They've been around longer than humans and seem to be able to adapt to almost any conditions. They have also evolved into societies -- different ants have different roles in the colony, much as bees do. Why would ants outlast bees? Because bees are too specialized. Bees need nectar, but ants will eat anything. Just think about your last picnic. Who was there picking up the crumbs, ants or bees?
My point exactly....

Answer 7

Not everyone will die.Following the melt down my husband will be found sitting on the lavatory reading a scorched copy of The Daily Express(.surrounded by cockroaches of course}.This is where he has been when any other domestic disaster has occur ed,only to reappear when all is safe and panic over to enquire"what was that all about".I dont see why it will be any different at armageddon

Answer 8

I have seen two comics answering this assuming nuclear attacks. One depicts cockroaches and Cher. The other postures cockroaches and Keith Richards. My money is on the roaches. If the global warming gets us, then I go with the methanogens (Archeae).

Answer 9

Armadillos

Answer 10

Insects are the strongest possibility ,if they could become as big as dinosaurs ,their bodily technolegy is very advanced