What type of ecological relationship is exemplified by a predator and its prey?

The relationship between a predator and its prey is accurately described as predation. In this ecological interaction, one organism, the predator, hunts, captures, and consumes another organism, the prey. This relationship is fundamental to food webs and ecosystems, as it helps to regulate population dynamics and maintain the balance within an environment.

Predation affects both the predator and the prey populations: predators can control the abundance of prey species, which can in turn influence the overall health of the ecosystem. This relationship is distinct from others, such as symbiosis, which involves close interactions between species that can be mutualistic, commensal, or parasitic.

Understanding predation is crucial for studying food chains and ecological interactions, as it showcases how energy is transferred through ecosystems and highlights the importance of both predators and prey in maintaining ecological balance.