What do we call an animal that mainly eats plants?

An animal that mainly eats plants is known as a herbivore. Herbivores have adaptations that allow them to efficiently consume and digest plant material, such as flat teeth for grinding leaves and tough fibrous stems, as well as specialized digestive systems that help break down cellulose, the main component of plant cell walls.

In contrast, carnivores primarily consume other animals, which has led to different adaptations, such as sharp teeth and claws for capturing prey. Omnivores, on the other hand, eat both plants and animals, having a more varied diet that includes both herbaceous and animal matter. Scavengers specifically feed on dead or decaying organic matter, which is a different feeding strategy altogether. Understanding these categories of diets helps in grasping the roles that different animals play in their ecosystems.