Predator and Prey in the Food Web — Reading Comprehension

Imagine a bustling forest, full of life. Every animal plays a role, and many depend on each other for survival. This incredible network of life is called a food web. A food web shows how energy moves from one living thing to another. At the heart of many food webs are two very important roles: the predator and the prey.

A predator is an animal that hunts, kills, and eats other animals. Think of a hawk soaring high above, looking for a mouse. The hawk is the predator. The animals that predators hunt are called prey. The mouse is the prey. This interaction, where one animal hunts another for food, is called a predatory interaction. It's a natural and necessary part of keeping ecosystems healthy and balanced.

Predators are often carnivores, meaning they eat only meat. Lions hunting zebras are a perfect example. However, some predators can also be omnivores, eating both plants and animals. Bears, for instance, eat berries and fish. Prey animals can be herbivores (plant-eaters) like deer, or even smaller carnivores or omnivores that are hunted by larger predators.

The predator-prey relationship is vital for the flow of energy in an ecosystem. When a predator eats its prey, the energy stored in the prey's body is transferred to the predator. This energy then moves up the food web. Without predators, prey populations could grow too large, consuming all their food sources and damaging the environment. Predators help control these populations, ensuring a healthy balance.

Animals have developed amazing adaptations to survive. Predators have sharp claws, keen eyesight, or speed to catch their prey. Prey animals have camouflage, speed, or warning calls to escape predators. This constant cycle of hunting and escaping keeps both predator and prey populations strong and adaptable. It's a delicate dance where every move matters for survival and the health of the entire ecosystem.

Interesting Fact: Some animals, like the chameleon, can change their skin color to match their surroundings, helping them hide from predators and ambush prey.

What is a predator?

What does a food web show?

Which statement is true?

What is the main role of a predator in an ecosystem?

Why do prey animals have adaptations like camouflage?

What happens to energy when a predator eats prey?

Which animal is most likely a herbivore?

What does the term "adaptation" mean in the passage?