Which term refers to an animal that preys on other animals?

The term that refers to an animal that preys on other animals is "predator." Predators are organisms that hunt, capture, and consume other animals, which are known as prey. This relationship is fundamental to ecosystems and food chains, as predators help maintain population control of other species, often resulting in a balance that supports biodiversity.

In contrast, herbivores primarily consume plants and do not hunt other animals for food. Scavengers, on the other hand, feed on dead or decaying animals rather than hunting live prey. The term "prey" signifies the animals that are hunted by predators, which highlights the roles of both predators and prey in their interactions within an ecosystem. Understanding these terms is crucial for grasping ecological dynamics and the roles different species play in their environments.