Scavenger

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For a person who scavenges, see Waste picker. For other uses, see Scavenger (disambiguation).
A group of white-backed vultures eating the carcass of a wildebeest.
A group of white-backed vultures eating the carcass of a wildebeest.
Raven feeding on a small dead shark
Raven feeding on a small dead shark
Harvestman eating the tail of a five-lined skink
Harvestman eating the tail of a five-lined skink

Scavengers are animals that consume already dead animals (carrion). Scavengers play an important role in the ecosystem by contributing to the decomposition of dead animal remains. Decomposers complete this process, by consuming the remains left by scavengers.

Well known scavengers include vultures, burying beetles, blowflies, yellowjackets, and raccoons. Many large carnivores that hunt regularly--such as hyenas and lions--will scavenge if given the chance.

Animals which consume feces, such as dung beetles, are also referred to as scavengers. Animals which primarily consume dead plants (litter) are referred to as detritivores.

In 2004, Dennis Bramble and Daniel Lieberman proposed that early Homo were scavengers that used stone tools to harvest meat off carcasses and to open bones. They proposed that humans specialized in long-distance running to compete with other scavengers in reaching carcasses[2]. It has been suggested that such an adaptation ensured a food supply that made large brains possible.


[edit] References

  • Smith TM, Smith RL (2006) Elements of Ecology. Sixth edition. Benjamin Cummings, San Francisco, CA.
  • Chase, et al. The Scavenger Handbook. Bramblewood Press, Santa Barbara, CA.