Predation is a biological interaction in which one organism, called the predator, hunts, captures, kills, and eats another organism, known as the prey. This interaction is a crucial part of the food web and plays a significant role in maintaining balance and stability in ecosystems.
Key Concepts
Predator: An organism that actively hunts and feeds on other organisms.
Prey: An organism that is hunted and consumed by predators.
Examine real-world examples of predator-prey interactions and their ecological significance.
Discuss the concept of coevolution and its role in shaping predator-prey relationships over time.
Understanding predation is essential for comprehending the complex interactions that occur within natural ecosystems and the delicate balance that is maintained through these interactions.
Use research-based evidence to propose a scientific explanation regarding how the distribution of Earth’s resources such as minerals, fossil fuels, and groundwater are the result of ongoing geoscience processes (e.g., past volcanic and hydrothermal activity, burial of organic sediments, active weathering of rock).