The terms ‘prey’ and ‘predators’ describe fundamental ecological relationships in nature:
Predators are organisms that hunt, capture, and feed on other organisms. They are typically positioned higher in the food chain. Predators have evolved various adaptations for hunting success, including heightened senses, speed, strength, stealth, or specialized hunting techniques. Examples include wolves, eagles, sharks, and spiders.
Prey are organisms that are hunted and consumed by predators. They have evolved defensive adaptations to avoid being eaten, such as camouflage, speed, protective coverings, chemical defenses, or warning coloration. Examples include rabbits, deer, small fish, and insects.
This predator-prey relationship is crucial in ecosystems as it:
- Controls population sizes
- Influences natural selection
- Transfers energy through food webs
- Helps maintain biodiversity and ecosystem balance
In some cases, animals can be both predator and prey depending on the context – for example, a fox hunts rabbits but might be hunted by wolves.
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