What do you call an animal that is consumed by other animals?

An animal that is consumed by other animals is called prey. In the context of ecological systems, prey refers to organisms that are hunted and eaten by predators. This relationship is essential in maintaining the balance of ecosystems, where each species plays a role in the food chain. The prey provides energy and nutrients to the predators, allowing them to survive and thrive.

In contrast, scavengers are organisms that consume dead animals rather than hunting living ones. Herbivores are animals that primarily eat plants. Producers, such as plants, are organisms that can make their own food through photosynthesis and serve as the foundation of food chains by providing energy to herbivores and subsequently to other animals higher up in the food chain.