Which of the following best describes a predator?

The definition of a predator specifically refers to an organism that actively hunts and consumes other organisms, typically referred to as prey. This behavior is characterized by seeking out and capturing live animals for the purpose of nutrition, which is essential for the predator's survival and reproduction. Predators play a crucial role in regulating prey populations, which in turn helps maintain ecological balance within their environments.

Other options do not align with the specific definition of a predator. For instance, providing energy to others refers to producers, such as plants, that engage in photosynthesis. Sharing an environment with others is more descriptive of general coexistence within ecosystems and does not imply direct interactions like hunting. Protecting territory relates to behaviors associated with habitat defense, which may be exhibited by various species but does not specifically denote predatory behavior. Thus, the choice that accurately captures the essence of a predator is the one that describes it as a creature that hunts other animals for food.