19.4 - Predation

• Define a predator

  An organism that feeds on another organism (prey)
• Describe the predator-prey cycles effect on population size

  • Predators eat prey so prey population decreases
  • Fewer prey so predators are in greater competition
  • Predator population decreases as some can’t obtain enough food to survive or reproduce
  • Fewer predators so fewer prey are eaten, more survive and reproduce so population increases
  • Predator population now increases as there’s more food available