Pursuit predator

Pursuit predator is a type of predator that captures its prey by chasing it down. This method of hunting is contrasted with ambush predators, which lie in wait for their prey, and stalking predators, which approach their prey stealthily before making a quick attack. Pursuit predators are typically fast and agile, with adaptations that allow them to maintain high speeds over long distances.

Characteristics

Pursuit predators are characterized by their ability to chase down and capture their prey. This requires a combination of speed, endurance, and agility. They often have streamlined bodies to reduce drag and long limbs for stride length. Many also have highly developed sensory systems to detect and track their prey.

Examples

Examples of pursuit predators include many species of canids, such as wolves and African wild dogs, as well as certain birds of prey like the peregrine falcon. In the ocean, dolphins and certain species of sharks are known to be pursuit predators.

Evolution

The evolution of pursuit predation is thought to have driven a number of important evolutionary trends. For example, the need to chase down prey may have been a key factor in the evolution of high-speed locomotion in certain groups of animals. Similarly, the need to evade pursuit predators may have driven the evolution of various defensive adaptations in prey species, such as camouflage, speed, and agility.

See also

• Predation
• Ambush predator
• Stalking predator