Carnivory

Carnivory is the phenomenon of consuming animal tissue by another organism. It is a key element in the food chain, providing resources for organisms at the higher levels of the food web. Carnivorous animals usually feed on prey such as fish, rodents, or insects, though some may feed on larger prey, such as larger mammals. Carnivores help control populations of species that would otherwise out-compete other organisms for resources and might even threaten their survival. Carnivorous plants are also found, which capture and digest small animals and absorb nutrients from them. These plants often grow in nutrient-poor habitats, making their carnivorous strategy advantageous.