predation

Form of food getting in which one animal, the predator, eats an animal of another species, the prey, immediately after killing it or, in some cases, while it is still alive. Most predators are generalists; they eat a variety of prey species. Specialist predators, such as anteaters, eat only one or a few prey species. Cannibalism is a type of predation in which an animal eats another of its own species. Seed consumption is also considered predation because the entire living embryo of a plant is destroyed.

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Any member of the order Falconiformes (eagles, falcons, hawks, and vultures) or Strigiformes (owls). Falconiforms are also called raptors. They are active during the day, whereas owls are nocturnal. Condors and eagles are among the largest and strongest of flying birds. All birds of prey have a hook-tipped beak and sharp curved claws called talons. (Nonpredatory vultures have less-developed talons.) Despite the similarities between owls and raptors, many authorities believe they are not closely related but developed similar features because of their similar predatory lives.

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Professor Paul O'Prey is currently Vice-Chancellor of Roehampton University in London.

Previously he was Director of Academic Affairs at the University of Bristol, where he took a lead in formulating academic strategy. He holds a PhD from the same institution.

His publications include books on Graham Greene, as well as a translation, with Lucia Graves, of 'Los Pazos de Ulloa', by Emila Pardo Bazan, for Penguin Classics. Much of his academic work has focussed on Robert Graves, with whom he worked during the 1970s. He is a member of the Robert Graves Society and Chair of the War Poets Association.

He is a director and board member of London Higher, and sits on a number of UUK and HEFCE committees.