Science July 2011 PMID 21764740

Trophic downgrading of planet Earth.

James A Estes, John Terborgh, Justin S Brashares, Mary E Power, Joel Berger, William J Bond, Stephen R Carpenter, Timothy E Essington, Robert D Holt, Jeremy B C Jackson, Robert J Marquis, Lauri Oksanen, Tarja Oksanen, Robert T Paine, Ellen K Pikitch

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Mentions

107

Peak: 2 in Dec 2019

across 7 sources since Jul 2011

Extended reach

1,929,078

potential audience

Total likes

12,445

Video views

1,874,930

Mentions per month

Jul 2011 – Sep 2025

Where it's discussed

News54 articles
Blogs24 articles
X / Twitter15 posts
Facebook9 posts
YouTube2 videos
Reddit2 posts
Bluesky1 posts

AI synopsis

What people are saying

The collective posts demonstrate varying degrees of support and critique, with some referencing the significance of apex predators and ecosystem impacts, such as the mention of dingoes and keystone species, which reflects moderate engagement and agreement. The tone shifts from supportive to dismissive, indicating mixed perceptions of the article's importance and implications.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most discussions acknowledge the importance and validity of the research, with some expressing support for its implications, while a few posts criticize or dismiss the content.

InterestModerate interest

Participants show moderate curiosity, referencing related rewilding topics and emphasizing ecosystem effects, though some posts reveal a neutral or dismissive stance.

EngagementNeutral engagement

Engagement varies; some users cite specific research findings or biological examples like dingoes and keystone species, but others simply mention the publication without deep analysis.

ImpactModerate impact

The discussions suggest that the publication influences awareness of ecological issues, particularly through mentions of cascading effects and conservation challenges, though some dismiss the relevance.

Abstract in brief

Large apex consumers have been present worldwide for millions of years, but their recent loss is a significant human impact on nature.
The disappearance of these top predators causes cascading effects across ecosystems, affecting processes like disease spread, wildfires, carbon storage, and invasive species dynamics.
Understanding and predicting these impacts requires interdisciplinary research to address the complex changes in ecosystem functions and resilience caused by trophic downgrading.]

Read the full abstract

All mentions

The Impact of Whales on Climate Regulation and Ecosystem Health

Think whales are just ocean giants Dive deeper and discover their astonishing role in reshaping our climate and maintaining ecosystem balance. Explore how these marine mammals influence environmental processes and the…

Sustainable Human · Dec 1, 2014 1,872,257 views

Impacts of Top Predator Extinction on Ecosystem Health and Function

Top predators are going extinct worldwide, causing cascading effects across ecosystems. This video explores why they are vulnerable, why their loss matters, and potential strategies to prevent extinction, highlighting…

Dr Sam Munroe · Jan 2, 2023 2,673 views

Froman

@fromreq · X

RT @echegarayjorge: @EdRojasBr No sé puede ser más incompetente, populista y desinformado. https://t.co/31KiYvfsVe

Sep 17, 2025 · 1 share · 267 followers View post →

@TrueApex

@echegarayjorge · X

@EdRojasBr No sé puede ser más incompetente, populista y desinformado. https://t.co/31KiYvfsVe

Sep 16, 2025 · 2 likes · 1 share · 963 followers View post →

rhubarb555

@rhubarb555 · X

@ulrik_gh @JennyWellby Either way, this should be an interesting read: https://t.co/JuAHFOAzp6 free pdf: https://t.co/jtUtDg1rOZ

Jul 20, 2023 · 145 followers View post →

Phys.org Biology

@physorg_biology · X

From the dingo to the Tasmanian devil—why we should be #rewilding carnivores @ConversationEDU https://t.co/aYcH6shDMN https://t.co/L73xbVKqDu

Feb 20, 2023 · 1 like · 8,045 followers View post →

Dr. Larry B Keating

@DrLarryBKeating · X

Trophic downgrading of planet Earth. https://t.co/ccMTHE6ieH

Feb 3, 2023 · 811 followers View post →

Dingo Coexistence

@DingoNOTWildDog · X

@westauscanids No such species in Australian as a #wilddog hence a 100% impact on 'non-target' species here being #dingoes - Australia's native apex land predators. https://t.co/vxVVmTM1nm

May 26, 2022 · 1 like · 221 followers View post →

Hammerschlag Lab

@HammerschlagLab · X

RT @sharktagging: We have a double #TBT !

Oct 14, 2021 · 1 share · 2,241 followers View post →

Shark Research & Conservation Lab

@sharktagging · X

We have a double #TBT !

Oct 14, 2021 · 2 likes · 1 share · 7,476 followers View post →

Dr. Aaron Thierry

@ThierryAaron · X

@JMBecologist Trophic cascades following the loss of keystone species https://t.co/hd6Kaeb7aW

Sep 1, 2021 · 1 like · 21,660 followers View post →

Isatou Sarr

@IsatouSarr4 · X

Trophic Downgrading of Planet Earth https://t.co/k4gTrIAQC3

May 31, 2021 · 1 like · 42 followers View post →

Dorothy Knable

@dorothyknable · X

Trophic Downgrading of Planet Earth https://t.co/fRWN2vjUMk

May 20, 2021 · 2,083 followers View post →

Leah White

@mammaldreams · X

3. Trophic downgrading of planet earth. Friggens et al. 2018. https://t.co/Nw9YoEp2M5 https://t.co/r0a4AsQWgy

Jan 26, 2020 · 510 followers View post →

JICAS

@JICASJSY · X

RT @JICASJSY: 'The loss of #animals may be humankind’s most pervasive influence on nature...recent #research reveals extensive #cascading e…

Dec 9, 2019 · 1 share · 671 followers View post →

JICAS

@JICASJSY · X

Dec 1, 2019 · 1 like · 1 share · 671 followers View post →

Dan Castro

@DanCas2 · X

Trophic Downgrading of Planet Earth https://t.co/f0k1cRGWKi

Oct 10, 2019 · 8,331 followers View post →

Jarrett Byrnes

@jebyrnes.bsky.social · Bluesky

Trophic Downgrading of Planet Earth http://bit.ly/nuUjF5

Jul 16, 2011 View post →