Keystone species mussel population explodes uncontrollably, driving out most other species. These creatures need not be apex predators. Sea stars are prey for sharks, rays, and sea anemones. Sea otters are prey for orca. The jaguar, whose numbers in Central and South America have been classified as near threatened, acts as a keystone predator by its widely varied diet, helping to balance the mammalian jungle ecosystem with its consumption of 87 different species of prey. The lion is another keystone species. Keystone mutualists are organisms that participate in mutually beneficial interaction and the loss of which would have a profound impact upon
Apex Predator – Easy Meat indicates "universal acclaim", based on 15 reviews. Thom Jurek of AllMusic wrote that ""Apex Predator – Easy Meat" ups the ante on all their post-2000 albums," describing the album as "completely unrelenting; thoroughly amazing." "Clash" critic Geoff Cowart described the album as "both intensely lyrical and supremely musical" commenting that "it plays out in a way that is designed to be perversely uncomfortable for the ears." Writing for "Exclaim!", Denise Falzon observed that the band's "traditional characteristics and intellectual concepts, incorporated with new elements and ideas, make "Apex Predator - Easy Meat" another impressive addition to Napalm Death's spotless catalogue."