Difference between revisions of "Carnivore"
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To a zoologist, ''carnivore'' usually means "a [[mammal]] belonging to the order ''carnivora.''" This includes [[cat]]s and "cat-like" families such as [[mongoose]]s and [[hyena]]s, and [[dog]]s and "dog-like" families such as [[bear]]s, [[skunk]]s, [[weasel]]s, [[raccoon]]s, and [[seal]]s. Most members of the order ''carnivora'' actually are carnivores in the sense of being [[meat]]-eaters, but there are many carnivorous animals that do ''not'' belong to the order "carnivora." | To a zoologist, ''carnivore'' usually means "a [[mammal]] belonging to the order ''carnivora.''" This includes [[cat]]s and "cat-like" families such as [[mongoose]]s and [[hyena]]s, and [[dog]]s and "dog-like" families such as [[bear]]s, [[skunk]]s, [[weasel]]s, [[raccoon]]s, and [[seal]]s. Most members of the order ''carnivora'' actually are carnivores in the sense of being [[meat]]-eaters, but there are many carnivorous animals that do ''not'' belong to the order "carnivora." | ||
| − | There have been many studies to show that most carnivorous animals still possess digestive systems to eat a plant-only diet. This is strong evidence to life in the [[Garden of Eden]] before the [[Fall of Man]]. Many zoos to this day feed their [[lion]]s and [[tiger]]s leafy greens due to environmentalists and to protect them against chemicals that are added in meat produce to help preserve them. | + | There have been many studies to show that most carnivorous animals still possess digestive systems to eat a plant-only diet. This is considered by [[creationism|creationists]] to be strong evidence to life in the [[Garden of Eden]] before the [[Fall of Man]]. Many zoos to this day feed their [[lion]]s and [[tiger]]s leafy greens due to environmentalists and to protect them against chemicals that are added in meat produce to help preserve them. |
A trick question for someone who knows [[biology]] is: "If a [[panda]] is a carnivore, then what is a [[koala]]?" Because a koala eats [[eucalyptus]] leaves, many people will fall into the trap and answer "[[herbivore]]", which is the wrong answer. The trick is that a panda does ''not'' eat meat. So, for a panda to be "a carnivore," the word must be being used in the sense of "order carnivora," and the right answer is "[[marsupial]]." | A trick question for someone who knows [[biology]] is: "If a [[panda]] is a carnivore, then what is a [[koala]]?" Because a koala eats [[eucalyptus]] leaves, many people will fall into the trap and answer "[[herbivore]]", which is the wrong answer. The trick is that a panda does ''not'' eat meat. So, for a panda to be "a carnivore," the word must be being used in the sense of "order carnivora," and the right answer is "[[marsupial]]." | ||
Revision as of 19:11, May 4, 2008
Carnivore has two different meanings. In ordinary language, it means an animal that only eats other animals[1], as contrasted with an herbivore (plant-eater) or omnivore (animal for whom both plants and animals are regular and important parts of the diet).
To a zoologist, carnivore usually means "a mammal belonging to the order carnivora." This includes cats and "cat-like" families such as mongooses and hyenas, and dogs and "dog-like" families such as bears, skunks, weasels, raccoons, and seals. Most members of the order carnivora actually are carnivores in the sense of being meat-eaters, but there are many carnivorous animals that do not belong to the order "carnivora."
There have been many studies to show that most carnivorous animals still possess digestive systems to eat a plant-only diet. This is considered by creationists to be strong evidence to life in the Garden of Eden before the Fall of Man. Many zoos to this day feed their lions and tigers leafy greens due to environmentalists and to protect them against chemicals that are added in meat produce to help preserve them.
A trick question for someone who knows biology is: "If a panda is a carnivore, then what is a koala?" Because a koala eats eucalyptus leaves, many people will fall into the trap and answer "herbivore", which is the wrong answer. The trick is that a panda does not eat meat. So, for a panda to be "a carnivore," the word must be being used in the sense of "order carnivora," and the right answer is "marsupial."
See also
References
- ↑ Wile, Dr. Jay L. Exploring Creation Through General Science. Anderson: Apologia Educational Ministries, Inc. 2000
