In this lesson we will study predation and a variety of complex interrelationships which living things share. Predators are consumers that catch and eat other consumers for their food. Prey are the consumers which are killed and eaten by the predators. Predators and prey are both necessary parts of ecosystems. There must be more prey than predators as each predator eats a great deal of prey during a lifetime.
Predation is important in controlling overpopulation of the prey species.
It also helps select for a healthy breeding population of the prey species by eliminating the weak individuals and those susceptible to disease. Have each student pick a predator. Students should take turns interviewing and being interviewed themselves. They should ask and answer questions about articular predators' habits, adaptations, habitats, life style, plus other interesting infomation. Saprophytes are organisms that feed on dead organisms or on nutrients in the soil that were once parts of organisms.