Animal Diets
Every animal on Earth depends on a food source to survive, and their diet plays a key role in shaping their behavior, habitat, and evolution. From apex predators to microscopic plankton feeders, an animal’s diet determines how it interacts with its environment.
Broadly speaking, animals can be categorized as carnivores, herbivores, or omnivores, but many species have evolved specialized feeding strategies suited to specific ecological niches.
Some animals are strict specialists, consuming only one type of food, while others are generalists, capable of adapting their diet based on food availability. These adaptations influence not only survival but also ecosystem balance.
Diet classifications help scientists understand food webs, predator-prey relationships, and conservation priorities. For example, many carnivores regulate herbivore populations, while pollinators like nectarivores are essential for plant reproduction.
Below, explore the different types of animal diets and learn how species have adapted to their unique food sources.