The term "Antarctic predator" can refer to any animal that preys on other organisms in the frigid Southern Ocean surrounding the ice-covered continent of Antarctica. Synonyms for this term might include "southern ocean carnivore," "Antarctic hunter," or "polar predator." Specific examples of Antarctic predators could include killer whales (also known as orcas), leopard seals, and Weddell seals. Many of these animals are apex predators within their ecosystems, meaning that they have no natural predators and play an important role in regulating populations of other species in the food chain. As the climate continues to change and human activities increasingly impact these remote regions, understanding the behavior and ecology of these Antarctic predators is becoming increasingly important.