herbivore
Definition
Herbivores are animals that eat only plants. They have special teeth that are designed for chewing plants, and they have digestive systems that are adapted to breaking down plant matter. Herbivores play an important role in the ecosystem by helping to control plant populations and by providing food for other animals.
Some common herbivores include cows, horses, rabbits, deer, and elephants. Herbivores can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and deserts.
Herbivores are important for the environment because they help to keep plant populations in check. When herbivores eat plants, they help to prevent plants from growing too quickly and out-competing other plants. Herbivores also help to disperse seeds by eating fruits and vegetables and pooping them out in other places.
Herbivores are also important for other animals in the food chain. Carnivores eat herbivores, and omnivores eat both plants and animals. Without herbivores, there would be fewer animals to eat for carnivores and omnivores.
How can the word be used?
Deer have a herbivorous diet.
Different forms of the word
Noun: herbivore.
Adjective: herbivorous.
Adverb: herbivorously.
Etymology
The word "herbivore" comes from the Latin words "herba", meaning "grass", and "vorare", meaning "to devour". It was first used in English in the 18th century to describe an animal that eats only plants.
Question
What does a herbivore eat?
AQA Science Exam Question and Answer
Question:
Explain the characteristics of herbivores and discuss how their specialized adaptations enable them to obtain and digest plant-based diets efficiently.
Answer:
Herbivores are organisms that primarily feed on plants as their main source of sustenance. They possess specific anatomical, physiological, and behavioural adaptations that facilitate their consumption and digestion of plant matter.
Anatomically, many herbivores have specialized teeth and jaw structures suited for grinding and masticating plant material. For example, cows have large molars for breaking down tough plant fibres, while rodents possess ever-growing incisors to continuously gnaw on plants. Additionally, herbivores often have elongated digestive tracts, allowing for a longer retention time of plant material, aiding in efficient nutrient extraction.
Physiologically, herbivores may host symbiotic microorganisms, such as bacteria, in their digestive systems. These microorganisms help break down complex carbohydrates found in plants, releasing nutrients that the host organism can absorb. Ruminants like cows and deer possess a four-chambered stomach that allows for a multi-step digestion process, including the fermentation of cellulose by symbiotic bacteria.
Behaviorally, herbivores often display grazing or browsing tendencies to acquire enough plant material for sustenance. Some herbivores also have the ability to selectively choose plants with optimal nutrient content or utilize specific plant parts, such as leaves, fruits, or seeds.
In conclusion, herbivores are specialized feeders with adaptations that enable efficient consumption and digestion of plant-based diets. These adaptations underscore the intricate relationships between herbivores and their plant food sources, demonstrating nature's remarkable ability to create symbiotic interactions that sustain diverse ecosystems.