Carnivore, Herbivore, Omnivores Identification

Carnivore vs Herbivore vs Omnivore

• How can you tell if an animal is a carnivore, a herbivore or an omnivore? –1.) Teeth –2.) Eyes

Carnivore Teeth

• Incisors - the teeth in the very front of mouth. –3.) On carnivores they are small.

• Canines - located between the incisors and premolars.

–Usually large, and pointed when found in meat-eating animals; used to kill and hold prey.

• Cheek teeth - pre-molars and molars. –4.) Are sharp and pointed for cutting and

tearing flesh.

Carnivore Teeth Continued

Carnivore Eyes

• Eyes – 5.) in front of the head • This allows them to see prey better. • 6.) “If they have eyes in the front, they like to

hunt”.

Predator Eyes Continued

Herbivores - Teeth

• Incisors – 7.) teeth at front. – On herbivores, incisors are large and well-

developed. – Perfect for cutting plant material

• Canines – will look like incisors – 8.) Will be long and flat.

• Cheek teeth - large and wide. – for grinding and chewing plant material. – 9.) Will lay flat on each other.

Herbivore Teeth Continued

Herbivore Eyes

• 10.) Eyes will be on the side of the head. • This allows them to see wider area.

– Helps them see predator coming.

• 11.) “If they have eyes on the side, they like to hide.”

Herbivore Eyes Continued

Omnivore Teeth

• Incisors - large and well developed – 12.) Cutting through plant material.

• Canines – long and pointed – For grabbing and holding prey.

• Cheek teeth – – a combination of sharp, scissor-like teeth for shearing

meat, and more rounded teeth grinding and crushing plant material.

– 13.) There is surface contact between some upper and lower molars.

Omnivore Teeth Continued