What Is Predation?

Predation is a biological interaction where one organism, the predator, kills and consumes another organism, the prey. This interaction is not limited to carnivores; it also includes herbivores that feed on plants. Predation is a driving force in natural selection, shaping the evolution of both predators and their prey through an ongoing evolutionary arms race.

Key Features of Predation

• Direct Consumption: The predator directly benefits by gaining energy and nutrients from the prey.

• Impact on Prey: The prey is harmed or killed in the process.

• Regulation of Populations: Predation helps regulate population sizes, maintaining balance within ecosystems.

Examples of Predation

• Leopard Killing an Antelope: This is a classic example of carnivorous predation, where the leopard (predator) hunts, kills, and eats the antelope (prey).

• Deer Grazing on Spring Grass: While often overlooked, herbivory is also a form of predation. The deer (predator) consumes the grass (prey), affecting the plant’s survival and reproduction.

Predation vs. Other Ecological Interactions

Why Not Competition or Mutualism?

• Competition involves two organisms fighting for the same resource, not one consuming the other.

• Mutualism involves both organisms benefiting, with no one being killed or consumed.

• Predation is the only interaction where one organism’s survival depends on consuming another, whether animal or plant.

Ecological Importance of Predation

Predation maintains the balance of populations, prevents overgrazing, and drives evolutionary adaptations in both predators and prey. It is a cornerstone of ecosystem dynamics and biodiversity.

Conclusion

The behaviors of a leopard killing an antelope and a deer grazing on spring grass are both best described as predation. These interactions are fundamental to ecological balance and evolutionary processes in nature.

Correct answer: (3) predation