What do carnivores primarily eat?

Carnivores primarily eat other animals because their digestive systems and physical adaptations are optimized to handle a meat-based diet. They possess sharp teeth designed for tearing flesh, and their bodies produce enzymes suited for digesting proteins and fats found in animal tissues. This dietary specialization allows them to effectively acquire essential nutrients that are abundant in animal prey.

In the broader ecosystem, carnivores play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of species populations, controlling herbivore numbers, and participating in nutrient cycling by consuming and, eventually, decomposing their prey. This makes their role not only pivotal for their survival but also for the health of their habitats.

The other options involve dietary types that do not align with what carnivores consume. For instance, while plants, decomposed matter, and fungi are sources of nutrients for herbivores and decomposers, respectively, they do not form the primary sustenance for carnivores. Understanding these distinctions is fundamental when studying animal diets and their ecological impacts.