Which type of consumer primarily eats other animals for energy?

The correct answer is categorized as a carnivore, which is an organism that primarily feeds on other animals. Carnivores play a significant role in the food chain by controlling the populations of herbivores and, in some cases, other carnivores, helping maintain a balance in the ecosystem. They possess adaptations that enable them to effectively hunt and consume prey, such as sharp teeth, keen senses, and specific digestive systems tailored for processing animal matter.

In contrast, herbivores are organisms that feed exclusively on plants, while omnivores have a more varied diet that includes both plant and animal sources. Detritivores, on the other hand, obtain energy by consuming decomposing organic material, such as dead plants and animals, contributing to nutrient recycling in the ecosystem. Understanding the role of carnivores is essential for grasping the dynamics of food webs and ecological interactions.