The relationship between predators and prey is a crucial part of the ecosystem. Predators hunt and consume other animals (prey) for food, which helps regulate the population of prey species. This relationship is often described as a "predator-prey cycle," where changes in one population can directly impact the other. Over time, predators and prey can influence each other's population sizes and behaviors in a dynamic and complex way. This relationship is essential for maintaining the balance of species within an ecosystem.