The Ecology of Fear

The Ecology of Fear refers to how the presence of predators influences the behavior and choices of prey species within an ecosystem. When prey animals sense danger, such as the presence of a predator, they may change their feeding patterns, habitat use, and social interactions to avoid being caught. This shift not only affects their own behavior but also impacts plant communities and other species in the ecosystem, highlighting the interconnectedness of relationships in nature. Essentially, fear can shape the dynamics of entire ecosystems, illustrating how the risk of predation influences ecological balance and biodiversity.