Herbivores

Herbivores are organisms that are anatomically and physiologically adapted to eat plant materials, for example foliage, for the main component of their diet. As a result of their plant diet, herbivores typically have mouthparts adapted to rasping or grinding. Horses and other herbivores have wide flat teeth that are adapted to grinding grass, tree bark, and other tough plant material.

Classification

A large number of animals have a herbivorous diet. They range from tiny insects such as leafhoppers to large mammals like the elephant. Such animals are known as herbivores. Herbivores can be further classified into frugivores (fruit-eaters), granivores (seed eaters), nectivores (nectar feeders), and folivores (leaf eaters).

Adaptations

Herbivores have evolved various physical features that aid in the consumption and digestion of plant material. These include broad, flat teeth for grinding leaves and stems, long intestines for efficient nutrient absorption, and symbiotic relationships with bacteria that can break down cellulose.

Impact on the environment

Herbivores play a key role in maintaining the health and diversity of ecosystems. They influence the structure and distribution of plant communities, contribute to nutrient cycling, and serve as prey for carnivores.

See also

• Carnivore
• Omnivore
• Detritivore