What does the term prey refer to?

The term "prey" specifically refers to an animal that is hunted and consumed by other animals. This definition captures the essence of the predator-prey relationship in ecosystems, where prey species are a crucial part of the food web, providing sustenance for predatory animals. Understanding this concept is fundamental to studying ecological interactions, as it highlights the dynamics of survival, population control, and species interaction.

The other choices do not accurately define prey. One suggests an animal raised for food, which relates to domestication rather than the natural predator-prey dynamic. Another describes an animal that hunts for food, which actually defines the predator, not the prey. Lastly, the reference to animals in symbiotic relationships pertains to interactions that are mutually beneficial, neutral, or harmful, yet do not involve hunting or consumption. Thus, they do not align with the biological definition of prey.