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As prey become more difficult to catch, predators must evolve characteristics that allow it to continue to eat.

 

Predation

Predation is a widely misunderstood natural phenomenon that has played a part in nature's balance since life began billions of years ago. Virtually all forms of animal life from single-cell protozoans to insects, birds, fish, and mammals, including man, are either predator or prey, or both.

A predator is any animal that feeds on other creatures. Prey, of course, are the animals used as food. At first, predation appears destructive and cruel because it involves the taking of life. Actually it's a beneficial process that keeps populations in check and contributes to the intricate balance of nature.

All animals have the potential to reproduce until they deplete their food resources. When this happens, the animals die of starvation and disease. Sometimes this process can modify the habitat so that it becomes unsuitable for other species. One way nature protects against this is by predation. Predators take the old, sick, or unwary, thinning out the weak and assuring survival of the strong, healthy animals.

Through millions of years of interaction, predators have adapted to catch prey, and prey have adapted to escape. When prey become reduced, predators starve, and become reduced, also. This balance prevents predators from becoming too numerous or prey too scarce.

Many environmental factors influence the direction of animal evolution and predation is an important element. Over generations, predation has the potential to smarten up prey by eliminating those that make mistakes, or break the rules governing survival. Even a prey's appearance is greatly affected by its predator because it must evolve characteristics which allow it to escape.

As prey become more difficult to catch, predators must evolve characteristics that allow it to continue to eat. If deer evolved in a situation where there were no predators, or if the predator was quite different from the wolf, they might be completely without their grace or agility , in fact, they might look much like cows!

If you look at animals that are considered prey, like rabbits, squirrels, gophers, or ruffed grouse, you'll see their eyes are at the sides of their heads to help them detect the approach of predators from all directions with minimal head movement; a feature that also allows them to be still while observing. On the other hand, predators like owls, wolves, lynx, and racoons have their eyes placed at the front of their heads for binocular vision. This allows them to judge the speed and distance of prey and zero in on them. They also have sharp talons, teeth, or claws and powerful muscles to catch and hold prey.

 
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