What classification is given to a consumer that eats only plants?

Consumers that eat only plants are classified as herbivores. This classification is based on their diet, which consists exclusively of plant material. Herbivores play a crucial role in ecosystems by converting plant biomass into energy that can then be used by higher trophic levels, such as carnivores. They are adapted to digesting plant tissues, which often requires specialized digestive systems to break down tough plant cell walls and extract nutrients effectively.

Omnivores consume both plants and animals, so they do not fit the definition of a consumer that exclusively eats plants. Carnivores primarily feed on other animals, making them distinct from herbivores. Detrivores, on the other hand, break down dead organic matter and recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem, which again sets them apart from herbivores. This clear distinction between these categories helps in understanding food chains and ecological relationships.