Frugivore

Frugivore is an organism that primarily feeds on fruits or fruit-like vegetables. This term is used to describe various species of animals, including birds, mammals, and insects. Frugivores can be either obligate frugivores, which can only survive on a diet of fruits, or facultative frugivores, which prefer fruits but can also consume other types of food.

Characteristics

Frugivores have specific adaptations that allow them to efficiently locate and consume fruits. These adaptations can include keen senses of smell and sight, specialized beaks or teeth for breaking fruit skins, and digestive systems capable of processing high amounts of sugar and fiber found in fruits.

Role in Ecosystem

Frugivores play a crucial role in their ecosystems as they help in the seed dispersal of many plant species. When a frugivore consumes a fruit, the seeds pass through the digestive system and are excreted in a different location, often far from the parent plant. This process helps to increase the plant's range and genetic diversity.

Examples of Frugivores

Many species of birds, such as pigeons and parrots, are frugivores, as are some mammals like bats and primates. Certain species of fish, insects, and even reptiles also consume fruits as a significant part of their diet.

Human Frugivores

While humans are omnivores by nature, some choose a diet consisting primarily of fruits, making them frugivores by choice. This diet, often referred to as fruitarianism, is a subset of veganism and is practiced by individuals for various health, ethical, or environmental reasons.

See Also

• Herbivore
• Carnivore
• Omnivore
• Diet (nutrition)