What Do Animals Eat?

by

Jen Gilbert and Jayna Simmerman

Jayna and Jennifer are both seniors at Illinois State University studying to become elementary school teachers.  We both love animals and are eager  to explore what animals eat.

All living things need food.  Plants make their own food but animals don't.  Animals need to drink water and eat food.  Some animals eat other animals, these are called Carnivores.   Animals that eat only plants are called Herbivores and animals that eat both are called Omnivores.

Let's take a closer look at each:

Carnivores

When an animal eats only meat it is called a carnivore.  Well-known as carnivores are:

lions       

tigers  

wolves

However, it is not so well known that many animals other than those mentioned are also meat-eaters. Penguins, for example, depend on ocean fish for food.  The polar bear doesn't eat berries and roots because it is too cold in the far north for such things to be a dependable source of food.  The walrus uses those long tusks to dig for clams.

Herbivores

When an animal eats only plants it is called a herbivore.  Well known as herbivores are: 

Rabbits

Deer

Cows

Herbivores often have specially designed teeth to chew the plants they eat.  The teeth of many herbivores are continually growing so there teeth are not worn down.

Omnivores

When an animal eats both plants and animals it is called an omnivore.  Well known as omnivores are:

dogs

squirrels

frogs

Now that we know a little bit about carnivores, herbivores, and omnivores let's take a QUIZ.

Thanks for visiting our site!!!

-Jayna     

    -Jen