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herbivore

noun

/ˈhəːbɪvɔː/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of herbivore

An animal species that primarily feeds on plant material, such as leaves, stems, roots, fruits, and other vegetation, as the main component of its diet.
"The cow is a herbivore, feeding primarily on grass and other plants."

Detailed meaning of herbivore

Herbivores are a diverse group found in various ecosystems, and they have evolved various adaptations to process plant matter efficiently. Unlike carnivores, which prey on other animals, herbivores are essential in ecosystems as they help control plant populations and maintain ecological balance. Examples of herbivores include cows, deer, rabbits, and many species of insects. Herbivory is a critical ecological role, shaping plant communities, influencing predator-prey dynamics, and contributing to the overall health and stability of ecosystems. Overall, "herbivore" emphasizes an organism's primary dietary preference for plant-based food sources, making them an integral part of the food web and ecosystem dynamics.

Example sentences containing herbivore

1. Giraffes, as iconic herbivores, reach for leaves high in the treetops with their long necks.
2. Elephants, Earth's largest herbivores, consume vast amounts of vegetation daily.
3. Koalas are marsupial herbivores known for their diet of eucalyptus leaves.
4. Zebras, the striped herbivores of the savanna, graze on grasses year-round.
5. The giant panda, a beloved herbivore, relies mainly on bamboo for sustenance.
6. Herbivores like cows have specialized stomachs to digest cellulose from plants.

History and etymology of herbivore

The term 'herbivore' finds its roots in Latin and Greek origins. It is formed by combining the Latin word 'herba,' which means 'grass' or 'plant,' and the Latin word 'vorare,' which means 'to devour' or 'to eat greedily.' The Greek influence is also evident, as 'herbivore' is closely related to the Greek word 'βόρος' (boros), which means 'eating' or 'food.' Therefore, the etymology of 'herbivore' essentially encapsulates the idea of an animal species that avidly consumes plant material as its primary source of sustenance, emphasizing its plant-eating nature.

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Further usage examples of herbivore

1. Tortoises, ancient herbivores, graze on succulent plants in arid environments.
2. In the rainforest, diverse herbivores munch on fruits and leaves of tropical trees.
3. Rhinoceroses, massive herbivores, browse on shrubs and woody vegetation.
4. Manatees, gentle aquatic herbivores, feed on aquatic plants in coastal areas.
5. Camels, desert herbivores, can eat thorny desert plants with ease.
6. Hippos, semi-aquatic herbivores, emerge at night to graze on riverbank vegetation.
7. The American bison, a symbol of the West, are large herbivores that graze the plains.
8. Wallabies, small herbivores, nibble on grasses and shrubs in the Australian outback.
9. Parrots, often herbivorous, consume a variety of nuts, seeds, and fruits.
10. Herbivore dinosaurs roamed prehistoric landscapes, munching on ancient plants.
11. Gorillas, herbivore primates, forage for leaves, shoots, and fruits in the jungle.
12. Sloths, slow-moving herbivores, subsist on a diet of leaves in the treetops.
13. Maned wolves, carnivore-looking herbivores, favor a diet of fruits and vegetables.
14. Wildebeests, migratory herbivores, undertake epic journeys in search of fresh grass.
15. The elephant is a massive herbivore, eating vast quantities of vegetation.
16. The giraffe is a tall herbivore, reaching high branches for leaves and buds.
17. Herbivores are known for their wide range of diet, including leaves, fruits, and grasses.
18. The rabbit is a small herbivore, nibbling on a variety of plants in the wild.
19. The herbivore's diet is based on plants, which provide essential carbohydrates and fiber.
20. The herbivore's habitat is often found near a reliable source of vegetation.
21. The horse is a strong herbivore, able to graze for hours on grassy fields.
22. The deer is a common herbivore, browsing on shrubs and trees in the forest.
23. The herbivore's digestive system is adapted to break down tough plant material.
24. Herbivores play an important role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems by controlling plant growth.
25. The herbivore's diet requires a large intake of food to sustain its energy needs.