Predation is an ecological interaction where one organism, the predator, hunts and consumes another organism, the prey. Here are a few examples of predation:
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Lions and Zebras: Lions are apex predators that hunt zebras in the savannas of Africa. The lion stalks and ambushes the zebra, using its strength and speed to catch and kill it for food.
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Frogs and Insects: Frogs frequently prey on various insects. A frog waits patiently and uses its long, sticky tongue to catch a passing fly or mosquito, consuming it whole.
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Hawks and Mice: Hawks are birds of prey that hunt small mammals like mice. They soar high in the sky, using their keen eyesight to spot potential prey on the ground, then swoop down to catch it.
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Sharks and Fish: Sharks are known for their predatory behavior in the ocean, where they hunt fish and other marine animals. Great white sharks, for example, are known to ambush seals.
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Spiders and Insects: Many spiders are predators that capture insects in their webs. For example, a garden spider spins a web and waits for flying insects to get caught, after which it injects them with venom to immobilize them before consuming them.
These examples illustrate the diverse interactions of predators and prey across different ecosystems.