CARNIVORE Meaning and
Definition
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A carnivore refers to an organism that primarily derives its sustenance from consuming the flesh or bodily tissues of animal organisms. The term "carnivore" is derived from the Latin words "caro," which means flesh, and "vorare," which means to eat or devour. These organisms are often referred to as "secondary consumers" in ecological food chains, due to their position as predators that feed on herbivores or other carnivores. Carnivores typically possess physiological adaptations that enable them to capture, kill, and consume their prey effectively. These may include sharp claws, powerful jaws, keen senses, and specialized dentition enabled for meat-eating.
Carnivores are found across various taxonomic groups, including mammals, reptiles, birds, and some fish. They encompass a wide range of species ranging from large predators like lions and tigers to smaller ones such as weasels and owls. Some carnivores are exclusive meat-eaters, relying solely on flesh for their nutritional needs, while others may incorporate plant material into their diet occasionally.
Within ecosystems, carnivores play a crucial role in maintaining balance and regulating population sizes of their prey. They contribute to ecological stability by controlling herbivore populations, preventing overgrazing, and influencing habitat structure. Additionally, some carnivores are apex predators that occupy the highest trophic levels in their respective food chains, exerting top-down pressure on the entire ecosystem.
It is important to note that the term "carnivore" can also be used to refer to a person who consumes a predominantly meat-based diet. However, in the field of biology and ecology, it primarily pertains to animals that specialize in consuming other animals as their primary food source.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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Etymology of CARNIVORE
The word "carnivore" has its roots in Latin. It is derived from two Latin words: "caro" which means "flesh", and "vorare" which means "to devour". When combined, they form "carnivorus", which translates to "flesh-devouring" or "meat-eating". Over time, this Latin term was adopted into English, and the spelling was anglicized to become "carnivore", referring to an animal that primarily eats meat.
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