Does prey also count on predators?

Answer 1

Absolutely. Nature has created methods to maintain a balanced population. In many cases this includes predators taking down weak animals in a herd or helping select for the "strongest" individuals as well as maintaining a stable population. And, prey has adapted methods to prevent being wiped out including methods for generating large numbers such as fish who might lay thousands of eggs a year, or preventing attack like a porcupine that has evolved a natural defense mechanisms. Some animals had very few predators other than man. Many have evolved to have slow reproduction. These animals often have been devastated by modern hunting methods.