Apart from being part of the food chain, predators play other important roles. Mention any two such roles supported by examples.

Explanation

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Introduction to Predators:**
- Predators are organisms that hunt and feed on other organisms (prey). They play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance beyond just being part of the food chain.

2. **Role 1: Keeping Prey Population in Check**
- Predators help regulate the population of their prey. This is important to prevent overpopulation, which can lead to resource depletion and ecological imbalance.
- **Example:** In the 1920s in Australia, the spread of the invasive prickly pear cactus (Opuntia) became a significant problem. To control this invasive species, a predator, the cactus moth (Cactoblastis cactorum), was introduced. The moth fed on the cactus, effectively reducing its population and controlling its spread.
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