With so many animals in the world, it can be hard for kids to understand who eats what. It can be difficult for them to differentiate between herbivores, carnivores and omnivores. That’s why it’s important to discuss these groups and how they eat with your children.
Animals that eat only plants are called herbivores. Common examples of herbivores in the animal kingdom are cows, deer, sheep, and rabbits. They eat plant-based food like leaves, stems, roots and fruit. Herbivores don’t eat meat, because they don’t have the right teeth or digestive system to eat animal-based food.
At the opposite end of the spectrum, animals that eat only other animals are called carnivores. Some well-known carnivores include lions, tigers, and wolves. They need to eat animals to get all of the nutrition they need. They don’t eat plants, because they don’t have the right teeth or digestive system to process plant-based food.
Then there are omnivores. These animals can eat both plant-based and animal-based food. They have the right teeth and digestive system to be able to eat both. Some well-known omnivores include humans, bears, and raccoons. They can eat all different kinds of food, but it’s still important to get the right nutrition.
Explaining the difference between these three types of eaters to your children can help them to understand how animals get their food. It is important to teach them to be respectful of animals, no matter what they eat.