Editing Predation (section)

{{short description|Biological interaction}}
{{Redirect2|Predator|Prey|other uses|Predator (disambiguation)|and|Prey (disambiguation)}}
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[[File:Polar bear (Ursus maritimus) with its prey.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5|Solitary predator: a [[polar bear]] feeds on a [[bearded seal]] it has killed.]]
[[File:Ants eating cicada, jjron 22.11.2009.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5|[[Social predator]]s: [[meat ant]]s cooperate to feed on a [[cicada]] far larger than themselves.]] 

'''Predation''' is a [[biological interaction]] in which one organism, the '''predator''', kills and eats another organism, its '''prey'''. It is one of a family of common [[List of feeding behaviours|feeding behaviours]] that includes [[parasitism]] and [[micropredation]] (which usually do not kill the [[Host (biology)|host]]) and [[parasitoid]]ism (which always does, eventually). It is distinct from [[Scavenger|scavenging]] on dead prey, though many predators also scavenge; it overlaps with [[Herbivore|herbivory]], as [[Seed predation|seed predators]] and destructive [[frugivore]]s are predators.

Predation behavior varies significantly depending on the organism. Many predators, especially [[carnivore]]s, have evolved distinct [[hunting strategy|hunting strategies]]. [[Pursuit predation]] involves the active search for and pursuit of prey, whilst [[ambush predation|ambush predators]] instead wait for prey to present an opportunity for capture, and often use stealth or [[aggressive mimicry]]. Other predators are [[opportunism|opportunistic]] or [[omnivore|omnivorous]] and only practice predation occasionally.

Most [[Carnivore#Obligate carnivores|obligate carnivores]] are specialized for hunting. They may have acute senses such as [[eye|vision]], [[hearing]], or [[olfaction|smell]] for [[prey detection]]. Many predatory animals have sharp [[claw]]s or [[jaw]]s to grip, kill, and cut up their prey. [[Physical strength]] is usually necessary for large carnivores such as [[big cat]]s to kill larger prey. Other adaptations include stealth, [[endurance]], [[intelligence]], [[social behaviour]], and [[aggressive mimicry]] that improve hunting efficiency.

Predation has a powerful [[selection pressure|selective effect]] on prey, and the prey develops [[anti-predator adaptation]]s such as [[warning colouration]], [[alarm call]]s and other [[signalling theory|signals]], [[camouflage]], [[mimicry]] of well-defended species, and defensive spines and chemicals. Sometimes predator and prey find themselves in an [[evolutionary arms race]], a cycle of adaptations and counter-adaptations. Predation has been a major driver of [[evolution]] since at least the [[Cambrian]] period.