What is a herbivore?

A herbivore is defined as an animal that primarily consumes plants as its main source of food. This classification includes a range of animals such as cows, sheep, and deer, which rely on grasses, leaves, fruits, and vegetables for their nutritional needs. Herbivores have specialized digestive systems that help them break down tough plant materials. This adaptation is crucial for their survival, allowing them to extract the necessary nutrients from plants.

The other options describe different dietary classifications. Predators, or carnivores, are animals that only consume meat. Omnivores are those that will eat both plant and animal matter, demonstrating a more versatile diet. Lastly, the option referring to an animal that does not eat at all pertains to organisms that may rely on other forms of obtaining energy, such as photosynthesis or chemosynthesis, which does not apply to traditional animal classifications. This contextual understanding reinforces why a herbivore is specifically an animal that relies exclusively on plant material for sustenance.