Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
Herbivory is of extreme ecological importance and prevalence among insects.Perhaps one third (or 500,000) of all described species are herbivores. [4] Herbivorous insects are by far the most important animal pollinators, and constitute significant prey items for predatory animals, as well as acting as major parasites and predators of plants; parasitic species often induce the formation of galls.
Two herbivore feeding strategies are grazing (e.g. cows) and browsing (e.g. moose). For a terrestrial mammal to be called a grazer, at least 90% of the forage has to be grass, and for a browser at least 90% tree leaves and twigs. An intermediate feeding strategy is called "mixed-feeding". [19]
An omnivore (/ ˈ ɒ m n ɪ v ɔːr /) is an animal that regularly consumes significant quantities of both plant and animal matter. [3] [4] Obtaining energy and nutrients from plant and animal matter, omnivores digest carbohydrates, protein, fat, and fiber, and metabolize the nutrients and energy of the sources absorbed. [5]
Examples of monogastric omnivores include humans, pigs, hamsters and rats. Furthermore, there are monogastric carnivores such as cats. [1] A monogastric organism is contrasted with ruminant organisms (which have four-chambered complex stomachs), such as cattle, goats, and sheep.
Many are herbivores, but suids are omnivorous, and cetaceans are entirely carnivorous. Artiodactyls are also known by many extinct groups such as anoplotheres, cainotheriids, merycoidodonts, entelodonts, anthracotheres, basilosaurids, and palaeomerycids. Many artiodactyls are of great dietary, economic, and cultural importance to humans.
Eastern moose are the third largest subspecies of moose only behind the western moose and the Alaska moose. Males stand on average 1.7–2.0 m (5.6–6.6 ft) at the shoulder and weigh up to 634 kg (1,398 lb). Females stand on average 1.7 m (5.6 ft) at the shoulder and weigh on average 270–360 kg (600–790 lb).
Omnivores are usually generalists. Herbivores are often specialists, but those that eat a variety of plants may be considered generalists. A well-known example of a specialist animal is the monophagous koala, which subsists almost entirely on eucalyptus leaves.
Moose exclosures (fenced-off areas) are used to determine the ecological impacts of cervids, allowing scientists to compare flora, fauna, and soil in areas inside and outside of exclosures. [ 11 ] [ 13 ] Changes in plant communities in response to herbivory reflect the differential palatability of plants to the overabundant herbivore, as well ...