It's unlikely that any of us have ever considered what Earth would be like if humanity suddenly went extinct. Human dominance would likely be replaced by other species of the animal kingdom, whose numbers would no longer be contained.
Mice and rats
Residents of private homes are more familiar than anyone with the problem of rodents, which attack their homes at every opportunity. Numerous methods have been developed to combat mice and rats, ranging from humane traps to deadly poisons. While humans cannot completely eliminate these pests, they can easily reduce their numbers. It turns out that it is precisely our actions that prevent rodents from feeling like true masters of the world.
In our absence, the lives of rats and mice will change dramatically. First, they'll consume every available food supply. Then they'll begin attacking other animals and even fighting each other. And after hundreds of thousands of years, rodents will begin to evolve, becoming more sophisticated and intelligent inhabitants of Earth. According to scientist Richard Dawkins, under favorable conditions, rats are capable of assuming dominance and suppressing other animals.
Bears
These predators are capable of tearing their enemies, including humans, to pieces in minutes. But because we know how to use weapons to kill attacking bears, their population is kept under control. These animals are considered to be of low intelligence and incapable of deliberate action. Driven by instinct and self-preservation, humans have a significant advantage over them.
If we stop standing in their way, bears will quickly take over the dominant position among other animals. British scientist Ashley Bennison believes these mammals have every chance of developing a high level of intelligence. Furthermore, with the disappearance of humans, predators will have plenty of food in the form of small animals, which currently comprise the majority of our diet.
Tigers and lions
The population of these animals is constantly declining due to human activity, which constantly hunts them. Consequently, tigers and lions are forced to seek out secluded areas where they can exist undisturbed. Currently, the number of tigers on the planet is known to be less than 3,500, and only 200 of them live in Russia. Lions, meanwhile, number approximately 20,000.
In the absence of humans, these predators will emerge from the shadows and gradually overrun the planet. Tigers will begin to claim territories that will protect them from encroachment by other animals. Unlike lions, they have several cold-resistant subspecies, and therefore are capable of occupying large swaths of the Earth. Lions, on the other hand, lead a cooperative lifestyle and live in colonies, so they will begin to jointly fight neighboring animals.
Ants
Despite their small size, these insects can cause quite a nuisance. Many people struggle with their attacks in the fall and spring, when the ants search for food in people's homes and gardens. Today, trillions of these insects inhabit the planet, while the human population barely reaches 7 billion. And their intelligence surpasses that of many other creatures is undeniable. They possess a collective mind and have even learned to use aphids like livestock.
In a world without humans, ants would quickly expand their colonies and spread across the planet. Their ability to squeeze into narrow crevices and create nests anywhere would make them more than comfortable. Furthermore, ants are familiar with combat and are adept at developing military tactics. So, under the best conditions, they would likely wage war on other insects and begin to exterminate weaker members of their own species.
Wild dogs and wolves
We all know that wild dogs and wolves live in packs. They attack their prey, surrounding it from all sides, leaving it no chance of escape. In many underdeveloped countries, stray dogs pose a real threat to the population, as their birth rate is unchecked. And in our country, tragedies involving dog packs regularly occur. Wolves, too, are increasingly emerging from the forests in search of food, often found in livestock.
In the absence of humans, these predators will truly feel like masters of the planet. At first, they will occupy cities and compete with rats for scraps of food. Over time, they will begin to evolve, becoming more sophisticated. And their ability to reproduce quickly will allow them to quickly fill the empty streets.
Cockroaches
These insects can even survive a nuclear explosion, so they would likely remain viable in the event of a global catastrophe. They reproduce quickly and can survive for long periods without food, giving them a significant advantage over other insects.
Of course, if humans disappear, they won't take over or displace other animals, as they lack any rudimentary intelligence. But that they will populate the planet and consume everything in their path is beyond doubt.
Monkeys
These inhabitants of the globe are very similar to humans in many ways: they can think, experience and display emotions, have a desire to communicate, and are caring towards their young. Long-term research has shown that some species of apes are capable of using available tools, which already indicates their advanced intelligence. Scientists believe that, with the disappearance of humans, they would inhabit cities and live more freely, but they would not be able to populate the entire planet.
Firstly, this is due to the heat-loving nature of these animals, which have a very limited habitat. Secondly, their individuals would be subject to attacks by the same dogs, which would prevent the monkeys from expanding their population.
