Which of the following best describes predation?

Predation is best described as the act of one organism consuming another for energy. This biological interaction is fundamental in ecosystems, where predators hunt and feed on prey. The predator benefits by gaining energy and nutrients necessary for growth, reproduction, and survival, while the prey is consumed, which can affect its population dynamics and behaviors. This relationship plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems, influencing the distribution and abundance of various species.

The other descriptions do not accurately capture the essence of predation. For example, mutual exchanges of resources typically describe symbiotic relationships where both species benefit, contrasting the inherently one-sided nature of predation. Additionally, while competition involves organisms vying for the same resources, it differs from predation, as it does not revolve around one organism consuming another. Thus, the definition that highlights the act of consuming another organism for energy most effectively encapsulates the concept of predation.