Carnivores Animals – Definition, List, and Examples

Our earth consists of different types of animals and plants. They are divided on the basis of their varying features and characteristics. Animals are found mainly in the categories of herbivores animals, carnivores animals, and omnivores animals. Here we will learn all about carnivores animals. It will also help us learn about their physical and behavioral attributes. Moreover, this will help us understand better the essential role they play in our ecosystem.

 

Definition of Carnivores Animals

Carnivores are animals that prey on other animals in order to survive. The meat is the most essential part of their diet. They have physical features that allow them to efficiently hunt, capture and devour their target.

However, it is not necessary for the carnivores to be big in size to capture their prey. For instance, the honey badger is not that big in size but they are very fierce who eat mice and squirrels. Most of the carnivores are secretive animals. In other words, they travel alone and lead a solitary life mostly.

Physical Adaptations of Carnivores Animals

The physical features of the carnivores are what makes them so different from other animals. It is indeed what makes them such great hunters and consumers. The eyes of carnivores are located on the front of their heads; it allows them to hunt effectively.

Moreover, it also allows them to have depth perception. It is quite an essential asset for hunting because it lets the animal determine from far away from the distance of their prey and their speed. Furthermore, most of the carnivores have sharp teeth and powerful jaws.

It allows them to bite the meat effectively and also hold down strong prey without any trouble. In other words, carnivores have sharp incisors and canines, unlike herbivores. This helps them in ripping the meat better from their prey.

Learn more about Herbivores Animals

Examples of Carnivores Animals

• Lion
• Wolf
• Leopard
• Hyena
• Polar Bear
• Cheetah
• Giant Panda
• Felidae
• Tigers
• Sharks
• Venus Fly Traps

There are various kinds of species found in the world. Some of the deadliest carnivorous animals are bobcats, hawks, mountain lions, red foxes, fishers, wolverines, coyotes, eagles and many more. Further, the most recognized are tigers, cheetahs, lions, and hyenas.

It is important to understand that all carnivores are not necessarily mammals. They can also be reptiles, fish, and birds as well. The most deadly carnivores in their respective categories are tigers, sharks, and the Venus flytrap.

Tigers

The big cats you see are all carnivores. The tiger is the largest of all that is very deadly and ferocious. They sneak up on their prey and camouflage using their stripes. Their daily meal consists of almost 40 to 85 pounds of meat. They usually live alone as they prefer eating their whole prey in a single kill.

Sharks

Sharks are one of the most feared aquatic carnivores with speed, sharp teeth, and immense power. They are quite large in size and very deadly. The most dangerous is easily the great white shark. The average shark swims at fifteen miles per hour. Their speed enables them to catch their prey and their sharp teeth assist them in devouring their prey. Most importantly, they can even smell drops of blood from more than three miles away.

Venus Fly Traps

As opposed to popular thinking, carnivores can also be plants. This plant is a perfect example of a carnivorous plant. It eats insects after trapping it within it. These plants are very fast and catch their prey before they can even escape. After trapping it, the plant releases enzymes on it to digest it properly.

Solved Question for You

Question- Which is the largest land carnivore?

A. Lion
B. Tiger
C. Polar Bear
D. Hyena

Answer– The correct answer is option C. Polar bears are said to be the largest land carnivores.