Predator-Prey Relationship
A predator-prey relationship is a biological interaction where one organism, the predator, hunts and consumes another organism, the prey. This relationship is essential for maintaining ecological balance, as it helps control population sizes and promotes biodiversity. For example, lions are predators that hunt zebras, which are their prey.
In this dynamic, predators often develop adaptations to improve their hunting skills, such as speed or camouflage. Conversely, prey species evolve defenses to avoid being eaten, like heightened senses or protective coloration. This ongoing interaction drives natural selection, influencing the evolution of both predators and prey over time.