Predator and Prey (Meaning and Explanation)

We explain what a predator is and what a prey is, and examples of each. Also, differences between predator and predator.

What is a predator and what is a prey?

The two parties involved in a type of interspecific relationship called predation are called predator (or predator) and prey. Predation is key in the life cycle, since it allows the transmission of matter and energy from the simplest to the most complex life forms.

In this biological interaction, organisms in the predator population benefit from feeding on organisms in the prey population (which in turn is harmed). This relationship is of the consumer-resource type, just like herbivory and parasitism. In all these cases, the consumer obtains from another organism the organic matter what do you need to survive.

Predators can also be prey for other larger predators, so species feed on each other, forming what are known as trophic chains or food chains. For example, a toad can prey on and feed on beetles, and in turn be the prey of a heron.

In ecosystems, a certain species is usually a predator of different types of prey. On the other hand, another species can be consumed by different types of predators, so in nature it is more likely that food networks are established, which are more stable than food chains. In the previous example, the toad can prey on different insects and in turn can be the prey of several animals in addition to the heron (foxes, hedgehogs, mink, birds of prey, etc.).

The balance and continuity of predator-prey relationships keep ecosystem populations balanced. In general terms, Predation increases when prey becomes more abundant and easier to capture. This results in the population growth of predators. But in turn it makes fewer shelters available for all individuals, which regulates populations.

Differences between predator and predator

The terms predator and predator are synonyms, that is, there is no difference in use or meaning between one and the other.

Both come from the Latin “depraedator”, derived from the verb praedari (“steal”, “snatch”, “acquire loot”), which in turn comes from praeda, (“prey”). Its application to the animal kingdom occurred historically as a loan or metaphor.

Predator characteristics

Both carnivorous and omnivorous animals are predators. In general, they tend to be the same size or larger than their prey, and they usually consume several prey throughout their life.

Generally, predation kills prey, although in some cases, predators only consume part of it. To hunt them, they can create traps (such as spider webs) or stalk and pursue their prey in packs or alone.

Some authors also consider herbivores and parasites as predators, although these interactions are somewhat different. For example, parasites typically feed on a single organism throughout their life (the host) and generally do not kill it in the short term.

A particular case is that of top predators, which are those animals that occupy the highest level of the trophic pyramids. Therefore, they do not have a higher level organism that precedes them. Their populations are regulated mainly by the amount of prey available. Eagles, bears, wolves, whales, and humans are some examples of top predators.

Dam characteristics

Prey can be herbivorous as well as carnivorous organisms, which serve as food for other larger consumers. According to some authors, plants are also considered prey for herbivores, just as hosts are considered prey for parasites.

Due to coevolution with predators, prey have developed various defense mechanisms. Some examples are: the existence of spines or shells, agile and rapid movements in flight, the ability to camouflage and the production of toxic substances.

Generally, they have a sharpened sense of smell or vision to detect the presence of the predator as soon as possible and, thus, have the possibility of fleeing. However, predators also have their senses heightened to detect prey.

Examples of prey-predator interactions

Some examples of interactions between prey and predator are:

The big cats (lions, panthers, tigers, pumas, etc.) are usually top predators. They hunt from small animals (such as hares and rodents) to large mammals (such as antelopes, zebras, giraffes and buffaloes).
Crocodiles and alligators They are skilled hunters who surprise their prey from the water. Their prey is usually fish, crustaceans, waterfowl and mammals (such as deer and capybaras).
The amphibians (like frogs and toads) are skilled hunters with their tongues. They mainly prey on snails, worms, spiders and insects that they can capture with their mouth.
Most arachnids They are predators of different types of insects. Both spiders and scorpions inject venom to paralyze their prey. And in particular spiders use their webs to capture them.
The snakes They prey on small animals (rodents, amphibians and insects) to some medium-sized ones (coypus, peccaries, alligators, waterfowl, etc.). Some use the venomous bite and others the suffocating constriction to capture and kill their prey.
Birds of prey or birds of prey (eagles, hawks, owls, etc.) are predators of many reptiles, amphibians, fish, small birds, rodents and other small mammals. Vultures, like the condor, are also predatory although they mostly feed on carrion.
The mantids They are ferocious and voracious insects that can feed on other arthropods (such as butterflies and flies) as well as small vertebrate animals: fish, mice, hummingbirds, lizards, frogs, etc.
many bears like browns, grizzlies and polar bears, are active hunters in their respective ecosystems. They feed on fish, seals, squirrels and other rodents. Some also eat carrion and plant parts, such as black bears. They are all top predators.
The sharks They are the largest fish and fiercest predators in the sea. Most feed on other fish and squid, clams and other invertebrates. Some actively hunt their prey and others filter or suck it.
marine mammals (such as dolphins, seals and sea lions) are mostly predators of fish and invertebrates (mollusks and crustaceans). Some of these mammals, such as whales, are filter feeders that feed on plankton.

References

Hickman, C.P., Roberts, L.S., & Parson, A. (2000). Comprehensive principles of zoology. (10th ed.). McGraw-Hill / Interamericana de España.
Soberón, J. (1995). Run, I'll catch up with you. Predator-prey interactions. In Population Ecology. Economic Culture Fund. Digital Library
Chavarín Gómez, LE, Perdomo Velázquez, H and Ramirez Romero, R. (2019). When a predator becomes prey. Science and development(303). Conacyt
New England Complex Systems Institute (n.d.). Predator-prey relationships. Necsi
“Predation” on Wikipedia.
“Predator – Prey” in the National System of Conservation Areas (Costa Rica).
“What are predators and prey?” (video) in Aula365.
“Predation and herbivory” in Khan Academy.
“Run and I'll catch up with you. Predator-prey interactions” at the Latin American Institute of Educational Communication (ILCE).