presas

Presas is the Spanish plural noun that covers several distinct meanings. In civil engineering, a presa (plural presas) is a barrier built across a river or valley to hold back water, creating a reservoir. Dams serve multiple purposes, including water supply, irrigation, flood control, and often hydroelectric power generation. Common types include gravity dams, which rely on their weight to resist pressure; arch dams, which transfer load to the surrounding rock; and buttress dams, which use supporting frameworks. Dams require careful design and ongoing management due to safety concerns, sedimentation, environmental impact, and social displacement when reservoirs are created.

In ecology and wildlife biology, presa (plural presas) refers to the prey—the organism that is hunted or captured by a predator or harvested by humans for food. Predator-prey relationships influence population dynamics, behavior, and evolution. Prey species often evolve adaptations such as speed, camouflage, and schooling to avoid predation, while predators may develop sharper senses or specialized hunting strategies.

Beyond natural contexts, presa can also mean something that is captured or seized: a prize, spoil, or loot. The term appears in phrases such as presa de guerra (war prize) or la presa de un cazador (the hunter’s prey). The exact meaning depends on context, ranging from a water barrier to living prey to a captured object.