Pronunciation: [hˈɜːbɪvˌɔːɹə] (IPA) 
The word "Herbivora" refers to animals that exclusively feed on plants. It is pronounced as /hɜːˈbɪv(ə)rə/ and is spelled with an "h" at the beginning to indicate the silent "h" sound. The "e" in "herb" is pronounced as a short "e" sound, while the "i" is pronounced with a long "i" sound. The suffix "-vora" comes from the Latin word "vorare," which means "to devour." Therefore, "Herbivora" translates to "devourer of herbs."
Herbivora is a term used in zoology and biology to describe a group or order of animals that are exclusively herbivorous, meaning they primarily feed on plant material for their nutrition. The term "herbivora" is derived from Latin, where "herba" means plant and "-vora" refers to eating or devouring.
Herbivora encompasses a wide range of animals, including mammals, reptiles, and insects. These organisms have specialized digestive systems and anatomical adaptations that allow them to process plant material efficiently. Unlike carnivores or omnivores, herbivores lack sharp teeth and strong jaws for tearing and chewing flesh. Instead, they possess specialized teeth and extensive dental ridges that facilitate chewing and grinding of plant matter.
Herbivora play a crucial role in various ecosystems as they are primary consumers in their respective food chains. They contribute to the dispersal of seeds and cross-pollination of plants, promoting plant biodiversity and ecosystem stability. Additionally, many herbivores have co-evolved with plants, developing mutually beneficial relationships such as symbiosis or mutualism.
Some well-known examples of herbivora include cows, horses, deer, rabbits, cows, elephants, and giraffes. Herbivorous animals often have distinct physical characteristics, such as a long digestive tract and multiple stomach chambers, enabling them to extract essential nutrients from fibrous plant material.
In summary, herbivora are a diverse group of animals that solely rely on plant material for their nutrition. Their specialized adaptations and ecological roles make them essential components of ecosystems worldwide.
Animals living on herbs or vegetables.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "Herbivora" is derived from two Latin words: "herba" meaning "grass" or "plant" and "vorare" meaning "to devour". When combined, these words create "herbivora", which translates to "plant eater" or "plant devourer". It is a biological term used to classify animals that primarily consume plant material as their main source of nutrition.
