What is the main difference between a predator and prey?

The main distinguishing factor between a predator and prey lies in their roles within the food chain. A predator is defined as an animal that hunts, kills, and consumes other organisms for sustenance. This behavior is a key characteristic of predators, who are often adapted with specific skills or features that enhance their ability to locate and capture their prey, such as sharp teeth, claws, and heightened senses.

In contrast, prey refers to organisms that are hunted and consumed by predators. Prey species typically have adaptations that help them avoid being caught, such as camouflage, speed, or defensive behaviors. This dynamic establishes a relationship essential for maintaining environmental balance, as it regulates population sizes within ecosystems.

The other options present additional aspects of the predator-prey relationship, but they do not capture the fundamental difference as clearly as the correct choice. For example, while it may be true that prey often defends itself, this does not fundamentally define what prey is. Size and habitat preferences can vary widely, so the assertion that a predator is always larger or that it typically lives in freshwater ecosystems is not universally applicable.