Biology STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) Practice Test

What does predation refer to?

1. The survival of both species involved

2. The feeding of one organism on another

3. Competition for resources

4. Production of their own food

The correct answer is: The feeding of one organism on another

Predation refers specifically to the feeding relationship where one organism, the predator, hunts and consumes another organism, the prey. This interaction is a key dynamic in ecosystems and plays an essential role in regulating population sizes and maintaining ecological balance. Predators are typically larger or stronger than their prey and have adaptations that enhance their hunting abilities, such as speed, stealth, or specialized physical features like claws or teeth. This concept contrasts with the other choices. For instance, the survival of both species involved suggests a mutualistic relationship, which is not the case in predation; typically, one organism is harmed (the prey) while the other benefits (the predator). Competition for resources involves organisms competing for the same limited resources but does not directly involve one organism consuming another. Lastly, the production of their own food describes autotrophs, like plants, which are not part of the predation relationship as they do not consume other organisms for energy. Thus, the definition provided accurately captures the essence of predation in ecological contexts.