Predation's Functions:
Maintains Species Diversity: Predators limit prey populations, preventing overpopulation by any single species. Example: Lions hunting zebras on the savannah.
Regulates Ecosystem Balance: Predators maintain equilibrium between herbivores and vegetation. Example: Wolves managing deer numbers.
Drives Natural Selection: Predation pressures prey species to develop survival adaptations. Example: Stick insects using camouflage.