prey

Prey refers to an organism that is hunted, captured, and consumed by a predator. In ecology, prey are the organisms that predators feed on; many predator–prey interactions involve multiple individuals and can be influenced by the presence of other species. Predation is one of several consumer-resource interactions and is a major force in natural selection, driving the evolution of prey defenses and predator foraging strategies.

Prey populations interact with predators and other factors such as resource availability, disease, and weather. These interactions can produce fluctuations in abundance; the Lotka-Volterra equations are a classic model of predator-prey cycles, though real ecosystems are more complex due to refuges, prey switching, and spatial structure.

Prey have evolved a wide range of anti-predator adaptations. These include speed and agility, camouflage, warning coloration, schooling or flocking, armor or spines, chemical defenses, and alarm signals. Behavioral strategies such as hiding, fleeing, or forming groups help reduce the risk of predation.

Ecologically, prey are a central element of food webs, channeling energy from producers to higher trophic levels. The abundance and distribution of prey influence predator communities and ecosystem dynamics. Common prey across ecosystems include rabbits, insects, small mammals, and herbivorous vertebrates.