What defines a carnivore?

The definition of a carnivore is an organism that primarily eats meat. This classification is based on dietary habits, where carnivores have adaptations and physiological traits that enable them to effectively hunt, capture, and digest animal flesh. Many carnivores possess sharp teeth and claws that facilitate predation, as well as digestive enzymes specialized for breaking down protein and fat found in animal tissues.

In the animal kingdom, typical examples of carnivores include lions, wolves, and sharks, all of which primarily rely on a meat-based diet. Understanding this classification is important in the study of animal physiology and ecology, as it influences their metabolism, behavior, and interactions within their ecosystems.