Predator-Prey Relationships

The way animals hunt and are hunted in nature.

What is it?

A predator is an animal that hunts other animals for food. The prey is the animal that gets eaten. The Sunbittern is a predator: it hunts fish, amphibians, crustaceans, and insects. It uses its long neck and spear-like beak to strike quickly. Prey animals often have adaptations like camouflage or speed to avoid being caught. The Sunbittern itself can be prey for larger predators, so it uses camouflage and a startling wing display to defend itself. Zebras are prey animals. They are hunted by lions, hyenas, and other large predators. To survive, zebras live in herds and use their stripes for camouflage. They also have strong legs to run fast and kick predators. The tentacled snake is a predator: it hunts fish using its tentacles to sense vibrations in murky water. Its venom paralyzes the fish, making it easier to eat. The Puff Adder is a predator: it hunts small mammals, birds, and amphibians by ambushing them. It uses its camouflage to hide and then strikes quickly, injecting venom. The alligator snapping turtle is a predator: it hunts fish by using a worm-like lure on its tongue to attract them, then snaps its powerful jaws shut.

Why it matters

Predator-prey relationships keep ecosystems balanced. Without predators, prey populations could grow too large and damage the environment.

Where you've seen it

This list grows as you capture more exhibits about predator-prey relationships.

捕食者-猎物关系

动物在自然界中捕猎和被猎食的方式。

这是什么？

捕食者是猎食其他动物为食的动物。猎物是被吃掉的动物。太阳鹭是一种捕食者：它捕食鱼类、两栖动物、甲壳动物和昆虫。它用长脖子和矛状的喙快速出击。猎物动物通常有伪装或速度等适应能力来避免被抓住。太阳鹭本身也可能被更大的捕食者捕食，所以它使用伪装和惊人的翅膀展示来保护自己。斑马是猎物动物。它们被狮子、鬣狗和其他大型捕食者捕猎。为了生存，斑马成群生活，并利用条纹进行伪装。它们还有强壮的腿来快速奔跑和踢捕食者。触手蛇是一种捕食者：它用触手感知浑浊水中的振动来捕鱼。它的毒液使鱼麻痹，更容易吃掉。膨蝰是一种捕食者：它通过伏击捕食小型哺乳动物、鸟类和两栖动物。它利用伪装隐藏，然后迅速出击，注入毒液。短吻鳄鳄龟是一种捕食者：它用舌头上的蠕虫状诱饵吸引鱼类，然后迅速合上强有力的下颌来捕食。