Carnivorous Meaning: Definition and Examples
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carnivorous
[kɑːrˈnɪvərəs ]
Definition
eating habits
Carnivorous refers to organisms that primarily consume meat. This term is commonly used to describe animals that have adapted their physiology to hunt and eat other animals for survival.
Synonyms
flesh-eating, meat-eating, predatory.
Examples of usage
- Lions are carnivorous predators.
- Some plants, like the Venus flytrap, are also considered carnivorous.
- Many carnivorous mammals, such as wolves, hunt in packs.
- The carnivorous diet of these species is essential for their growth.
Interesting Facts
Science
- Carnivorous animals often have specialized teeth for tearing flesh, such as sharp canine teeth and pointed molars.
- Some species, like certain carnivorous plants, can catch and digest insects to gain nutrients when soil is poor.
Ecology
- Carnivorous creatures play a vital role in ecosystem balance by controlling herbivore populations.
- In food chains, they are typically at the top and are referred to as apex predators, helping maintain the health of other species.
Pop Culture
- Films like 'Jurassic Park' showcase carnivorous dinosaurs, sparking fascination with these ancient predators.
- The character 'Jaws', a notorious shark in the thriller movie of the same name, represents the fearsome nature of carnivorous wildlife.
Literature
- Works like 'The Call of the Wild' by Jack London feature carnivorous animals to illustrate nature's harsh realities and survival instincts.
- In fables and fairy tales, carnivorous characters, such as wolves and foxes, often symbolize danger or deception.
Origin of 'carnivorous'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Latin, where 'carnis' means flesh and 'vorare' means to devour or eat.
- It first appeared in English in the early 19th century, as scientists sought to categorize animals by their diets.
The word 'carnivorous' originates from the Latin 'carnivorus', where 'caro' means 'flesh' and 'vorare' means 'to devour'. It first appeared in English in the late 19th century and has been used in various biological and ecological contexts to describe animals that derive most of their energy and nutrients from eating animal flesh. The term has also been adopted into discussions about dietary practices in humans, particularly in contrast to herbivorous and omnivorous diets. Additionally, the concept of carnivory extends into the realm of plants with carnivorous characteristics, showcasing the diverse applications of the term in both zoology and botany.