The Predator and Prey Relationship

Almost every species in the world has some sort of predator and therefore is a type of prey. Whether that be an insect or a rabbit, there is always another animal keeping the population in check. In class last week we learned about the relationship that most prey and predators have, in terms of population. We learned that as the population of the prey rises so does the population of the predators. We also learned that if the population of the predators gets too high then the population of the prey will start to decrease, which will, in turn, lead the predator population to decrease as well. 

One example of this relationship can be seen between wolves and moose, specifically on Isle Royale. These specific populations have been studied for decades and have given the most accurate representation of the predator and prey relationship. After observing these groups the researchers studying them realized that when the wolf population starts to decrease the moose population it also keeps a check on the wolves. Isle Royale is located in Michigan and is an accurate representation of the relationship because of the controlled environment, the animals cannot leave the island but the island has enough room for their populations to rise and fall.