**Herbivores: Consumers that eat only plants**

**Explanation:**

* Herbivores are consumers that eat only plants. They obtain their nutrients and energy from consuming plant material.
* These animals have evolved specialized adaptations to consume and digest plant matter efficiently.
* Herbivores play an important role in the ecosystem as they are primary consumers that transfer energy from plants to higher trophic levels.
* They are an essential part of the food chain and contribute to the balance of the ecosystem.

**Characteristics of Herbivores:**

* Herbivores have certain characteristics that distinguish them from other types of consumers:
- Morphological adaptations: Herbivores often have specialized teeth and digestive systems that enable them to break down and extract nutrients from plant material.
- Plant-based diet: They primarily consume leaves, stems, fruits, seeds, and other parts of plants.
- Efficient digestion: Herbivores have adaptations like a longer digestive tract or specialized gut bacteria to aid in the digestion of plant cellulose.
- Herbivores come in various sizes and forms, ranging from small insects to large mammals.

**Examples of Herbivores:**

* There are numerous examples of herbivores across different ecosystems:
- Large herbivores: Elephants, giraffes, zebras, and deer are some examples of large herbivores that graze on grasses, leaves, and shrubs.
- Small herbivores: Rabbits, squirrels, and mice are small herbivores that feed on grass, nuts, seeds, and other plant material.
- Insect herbivores: Caterpillars, beetles, and grasshoppers are examples of insect herbivores that consume plant leaves, stems, and fruits.

**Conclusion:**

Herbivores are consumers that eat only plants, obtaining their nutrition and energy from plant material. They have specialized adaptations and play a crucial role in the ecosystem by transferring energy from plants to higher trophic levels. Examples of herbivores include large mammals, small animals, and various insects.