Ecology
Predation
An interaction where one organism (the predator) kills and consumes another (the prey). A fundamental ecological interaction that structures communities and drives evolution.
Biological Context
Predation creates selection pressure for prey defenses (camouflage, speed, toxins) and predator counter-adaptations (better senses, faster pursuit). Predation can regulate prey populations, structure communities, and trigger trophic cascades. The term is sometimes extended to include herbivory and parasitism.
Business Application
In business, predation includes aggressive acquisition of competitors, poaching talent, and undercutting prices to eliminate rivals.