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Anatomy: Animals Inside

Digestion

How are animals classified based on what they eat?

Often times, animals are classified based on whether they eat plants, other animals, or a combination of both. Animals that eat only plant matter are called herbivores (from the Latin herba, meaning “green crop,” and vorus, meaning “devouring”), such as cattle, deer, and many aquatic species that eat algae. Animals that eat other animals are called carnivores (from the Latin carne, meaning “flesh,” and vorus, meaning “devouring”), such as lions, sharks, snakes, and hawks. And finally, animals that eat both plants and other animals are called omnivores (from the Latin omnis, meaning “all,” and vorus, meaning “devouring”)—including humans, bears, crows, and raccoons.



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