Which type of animal primarily feeds on plants?

The correct answer is herbivore, as this term specifically refers to animals that primarily eat plants. Herbivores have evolved various adaptations that allow them to effectively consume and digest plant material. These adaptations may include specialized teeth for grinding leaves, strong digestive systems that can break down tough plant fibers, and the ability to extract nutrients from a plant-based diet.

In contrast, carnivores primarily consume meat, developing characteristics suited for hunting and digesting animal tissues. Omnivores have a more varied diet that includes both plant and animal sources, allowing them to adapt to diverse food availability. Decomposers play a critical role in ecosystems by breaking down dead organic material but do not consume living plants or animals in the traditional sense. Thus, while each group has its unique feeding habits, herbivores are the animals that are exclusively or primarily focused on plant consumption.