If only the human species went extinct, it's challenging to predict with certainty which animal would become the dominant species on Earth. The dominance of a particular animal species would depend on various factors, including the ecological niche left vacant by humans, the ability of other species to adapt and thrive in the changing environment, and potential interactions between different species.
Some animals that could potentially see population increases and ecological expansion in the absence of humans include:
Large predators: Apex predators like lions, tigers, and wolves could see their populations rebound in areas where they were previously suppressed due to human activity.
Great apes: Chimpanzees, bonobos, gorillas, and orangutans, being our closest relatives, could potentially experience population growth in certain regions where they have been impacted by human activities.
Cetaceans: Whales and dolphins might benefit in some marine ecosystems, as they are known to be affected by pollution and human-related disturbances.
Some bird species: Birds that have adapted well to urban environments and human-altered landscapes, such as pigeons and crows, might continue to thrive and expand their populations.
Invasive species: In some cases, invasive species introduced by humans to new habitats might continue to thrive, potentially causing disruptions to local ecosystems.
It is essential to recognize that the complex dynamics of ecosystems and the interactions between different species make it difficult to predict with certainty which animal would become the dominant species. In nature, there isn't a single dominant species that rules over all others; rather, ecosystems tend to be made up of diverse and interconnected species that interact in complex ways.
In the absence of humans, the balance of nature would shift, and different species would adapt and fill various niches to form new ecological relationships. The result could be an evolving and ever-changing ecosystem, rather than a single dominant animal species.