The animal at the top of the food chain is known as an apex predator. Apex predators are animals that occupy the highest trophic levels and do not have any natural predators in their environment. They play a significant role in controlling prey density and restricting smaller predators in their respective habitats. Some examples of apex predators include the lion, great white shark, polar bear, and orca. These animals dominate their natural environments due to their natural hunting ability and are crucial for maintaining the delicate balance of ecosystems.