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Herbivores and Carnivores Differences in Biology Import Concepts Must to Know

Question. Difference Between Herbivores and Carnivores.

Answer:

Herbivores:

  • Herbivores refer to those animals that feed on plants or plants products. They gain their nutrition from plants. The physical features of herbivores are different from those of carnivores. Herbivores have broad and flat teeth that help them to chew and smash the plant easily.
  • Herbivores have special enzymes present in their saliva that can digest carbohydrates. They have a very long intestine and are capable of detoxifying Vitamin A in the liver. Herbivores generally require a lot of energy to stay active throughout the day. So, some animals like cows and sheep eat all day long.

Herbivores are of Different Types Such as

  1. Frugivores: These animals mainly feed upon fruits or fruit-bearing plants.
  2. Nectivores: These animals mostly eat nectar, for example- honeybee
  3. Folivores: The animals that feed on leaves
  4. Granivores: These animals consume only seeds.
  5. Xylophages: They mostly feed on woods.

Carnivores:

  • Carnivores include those animals that eat the meat of other animals. The carnivores are very healthy and active. They have a robust body structure. Their jaws are built strong so that they can crush and smash bones.
  • Unlike Herbivores, carnivores have a small intestine, and they do not possess any carbohydrate digestive enzyme. The carnivores are not capable of detoxifying Vitamin A.
  • As herbivores have certain adaptations, the carnivores also have certain adaptations that help them catch their prey.
  • The carnivore՚s animals have long and sharp claws and sharp and strong teeth that help them to tear through the flesh of other animals. Some examples of carnivore՚s animals are Lion, tigers, Wolf, etc.
Table of Difference between Herbivores and CarnivoresTable of Difference between Herbivores and Carnivores
Differentiating PropertyHerbivoresCarnivores
DefinitionHerbivores are defined as the animals that consume only plant and their products.Carnivores are defined as the animals that consume the flesh of other animals.
MouthThe mouth opening of these animals are very small and consume food from their mouth.The mouth opening of these animals are very large and use their teeth for tearing the flesh apart.
Facial musclesHerbivores consist of complex facial muscles.Carnivores consist of reduced facial muscles.
RatioThe ratio of mouth to head is small for these animals.The ratio of mouth to head is too large for these animals.
AppearanceHerbivore՚s animals have broad, flat and short, teeth to grind and chew plant leaves, grains, and seeds.Carnivore՚s animals possess long, sharp, and curved incisors and canines to tear flesh.
SalivaTheir saliva has digestive enzymes.Their saliva does not have digestive enzymes.
ChamberThey have either simple or stomach with multiple chambers.They have a simple stomach with one chamber.
Small intestineThe length of the small intestine is to times their body length.The length of the small intestine is times their body length.
UrineThey have moderately concentrated urine.They have extremely concentrated urine.
FoodThey eat only plants and greeneries.They eat other animals, mainly herbivores.
TeethThey have sharp incisors and good grinding teeth.They have sharp canines and grinding teeth.
Digestive systemMost herbivores have several stomach chambers. They also have a comparatively longer digestive tract than carnivores. Such animals with multiple stomach chambers are called ruminantsCarnivores have a much simpler digestive system. They also have only one stomach chamber with a shorter digestive tract.
Body structureHas a smaller body proportion that is not meant for hunting.Bigger and fierce body proportion.
ClawsHave flat and blunt claws.Have sharp, long and narrow claws for hunting preys.
Sub TypesBased on the type of plant material herbivores eat, they can be categorized into types. Seed eaters (granivores) ,

leaf eaters (folivores) ,

fruit eaters (frugivores) and nectar feeders (nectarivore) .

Carnivores can further be classified into obligate carnivores and facultative carnivores. Obligate carnivores rely entirely on meat while facultative carnivores can survive on a combination of meat and non-animal food.
DentitionSince herbivores eat plant matter, they have teeth designed specifically for the task. For instance, cows have large, flat teeth that are capable of grinding up plant material.In contrast, carnivores have teeth which are adept for hunting and consuming flesh. For instance, lions have sharp incisors and large, pointed canine teeth. Even their molars are sharp enough to shear meat.
SkullsHerbivores have skulls and teeth which are specially designed to grind tough vegetation.Carnivores have skulls which are capable of biting with great force.
Digestive EnzymesSince plant matter is rich in carbohydrates and coarse fiber, herbivores have amylase in their saliva to help break them down.Carnivores do not produce amylase in their saliva. Instead, they have to rely on their pancreas to digest carbohydrates.
ExampleFolivores: Sloths and Koalas

Granivores: Capybara, gray squirrel

Frugivores: Kakapo, Grey parrot, white cockatoo

Nectarivore: hummingbirds

Obligate carnivores: Lions, tigers

Facultative carnivores: Dogs