Meaning & Definition of word "Herbivore"
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Herbivore
/ˈhɜːrbɪvɔːr/
noun:
- 1. An animal that feeds primarily on plants.
- Example: Elephants are large herbivores that often consume vast quantities of grass and leaves.
- 2. A member of the animal kingdom that primarily obtains energy by eating plant matter.
- Example: The giraffe, with its long neck, is a well-known herbivore that specializes in eating leaves from tall trees.
- 3. An organism that belongs to the category of primary consumers in the food chain.
- Example: Many herbivores, such as deer and rabbits, play a crucial role in their ecosystems.
- 4. A plant-eating animal distinguished from carnivores and omnivores.
- Example: Some species of dinosaurs were giant herbivores that roamed the Earth millions of years ago.
Etymology
From the Latin 'herbivorus', from 'herba' meaning 'grass' or 'herb' and 'vorare' meaning 'to devour'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
herbivore diet:
A diet consisting mainly of plant-based foods.
herbivore species:
Species that primarily consume plant matter.
Related Words
omnivore:
An animal that eats both plants and animals.
carnivore:
An animal that primarily eats meat.
herbology:
The study of herbs and their medicinal properties.