Herbivores
Herbivores
Herbivores (/hɜːrˈbɪvɔːr/) are animals that eat plants as their primary source of sustenance. The term originates from the Latin words 'herba' meaning 'grass' and 'vorare' meaning 'to eat'.
Characteristics
Herbivores are characterized by their plant-based diet. They have evolved various physical features to aid in the consumption and digestion of plant matter. These include specialized teeth for grinding plant material, long digestive tracts to break down tough plant fibers, and in some cases, a multi-chambered stomach to facilitate fermentation of plant material.
Types of Herbivores
There are several types of herbivores, categorized based on their feeding habits. These include:
- Frugivores: Animals that primarily eat fruits.
- Folivores: Animals that primarily eat leaves.
- Granivores: Animals that primarily eat seeds.
- Nectarivores: Animals that primarily eat nectar.
- Xylophages: Animals that primarily eat wood.
Examples of Herbivores
Examples of herbivores include animals such as cows, sheep, deer, rabbits, and elephants. Some birds, like parrots and pigeons, are also herbivores, as are many insects, such as butterflies and beetles.
Impact on Ecosystem
Herbivores play a crucial role in the ecosystem. They help control plant populations, contribute to the nutrient cycle through their waste, and serve as a food source for carnivores and omnivores.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Herbivores
- Wikipedia's article - Herbivores
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