Animals get their food from plants, other animals, or a combination of both. They are either herbivores (plant-eaters), carnivores (meat-eaters), or omnivores (consumers of both plants and animals).
NCERT Class 8 Science
Chapter 1 Crop Production and Management
Animals derive their food from various sources within ecosystems. Herbivores primarily consume plants, extracting energy from carbohydrates, while carnivores feed on other animals, obtaining proteins and fats. Omnivores have a mixed diet, consuming both plant and animal matter. Detritivores feed on decaying organic matter, contributing to nutrient recycling. Additionally, scavengers consume carcasses, further utilizing available resources. Predators hunt live prey, exhibiting a diverse range of feeding strategies. Ultimately, the interconnected web of these feeding relationships sustains the flow of energy and nutrients through ecosystems, ensuring the survival and functioning of diverse animal species in various ecological niches.