Exploitation is the process of one species using another for its own gain. This comes in three forms
Parasitism is the process of one species living on or in another. The species that is being lived on is disadvantaged, as its resources are being taken.
Examples include intestinal worms and leeches
Herbivory is the process of an animal feeding on a plant. This is very common, as see in cows, sheep and other grazing animals.
This advantages the herbivore (as it is fed) and disadvantages the plant (as it gets eaten)
Predation is the process of one animal eating another. Think antelope and lion.
As is evident this advantages the predator and disadvantages the prey.
This is different from parasitism as the parasite keeps the host alive for a period of time, whereas a predator immediately kills the prey in order to eat it.
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In the natural environment, we would expect: |
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Which is generally physically the smallest: |