The field guide

Tag: Diet

The diet of an animal depends on its species, habitat, and other factors such as its size, metabolism, and evolutionary history. Some animals are carnivorous, meaning they primarily eat meat, while others are herbivorous, meaning they primarily eat plants. Still others are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plants and animals.

For example, carnivorous animals such as lions and tigers rely on meat for their nutrition and hunt other animals for food. Herbivorous animals such as cows and horses primarily eat plants, including grasses and other vegetation. Omnivorous animals such as bears and humans can eat both plant and animal matter and have a more varied diet.

The diet of an animal can also change based on the availability of food in its environment. For example, an animal that normally eats plants may turn to eating insects or other small animals if plant food becomes scarce.

Articles

Diet & feeding

What does the brown bear eat?

Brown bears are omnivores that eat grasses, roots, berries, ants, salmon and young moose. Their diet changes with the seasons…

Brown bear7 min read

Diet & feeding

What do polar bears eat?

Polar bears live mainly on ringed and bearded seals, and often eat only the fatty blubber. Fish, birds, eggs and…

Polar bear8 min read

Diet & feeding

Do Owls Eat Rabbits

Owls are fascinating birds that are known for their large, forward-facing eyes, sharp talons, and silent flight. These nocturnal birds…

Owls4 min read

Diet & feeding

What do possums eat?

Virginia opossums eat almost anything: insects, fruit, small animals, carrion and rubbish. Here is what's really in their diet, the…

Virginia opossum6 min read