Comparative Account of Dietary Requirements in Different Animals

(ASSIGNMENT#01 SEMESTER FALL-2024)

Submission Date (29-March-2024)
BY
Rehan Asghar
ROLL# 22011514-114
ZOO-207 (Animal form and function-2)
BS-Zoology 4th (Section-A)
Dr. Sumera Afsheen
Department of Zoology
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

CONTENTS PAGE

LIST OF FIGURES------------------------------------------------------------------------ III

1. Introduction----------------------------------------------------------------------------1
2. Modes of Nutrition in Animals-----------------------------------------------------1
2.1. Autotrophic Nutrition-------------------------------------------------------------1
2.2. Heterotrophic Nutrition----------------------------------------------------------1
3. Herbivores---------------------------------------------------------------------------1,2
3.1. Characteristics of herbivores----------------------------------------------------2
3.2. Nutrition of Herbivores--------------------------------------------------------2,3
4. Definition of carnivores--------------------------------------------------------------3
4.1. Carnivores animals-------------------------------------------------------------3,4
4.2. Physical adaptations of carnivores animals------------------------------------4
4.3. Examples-------------------------------------------------------------------------4,5
5. Omnivores-----------------------------------------------------------------------------5
5.1. Key Characters--------------------------------------------------------------------6
5.2. Examples-------------------------------------------------------------------------6,7
5.3. Nutrition Requirement---------------------------------------------------------7,8
5.4. Different type of nutrition in animals-----------------------------------------8
5.5. Nutrients used by animals-----------------------------------------------------8,9
Refrences---------------------------------------------------------------------------------10
 TABLE OF FIGURES

CONTENTS PAGE

Figure-3.1: Herbivores Animals-------------------------------------------------------------------------02

Figure-4.1: Carnivores Animals-------------------------------------------------------------------------04
Figure-5.1: Omnivores Animals-------------------------------------------------------------------------06
 1. INTRODUCTION

Animal nutrition is just as vital as plant nutrition. Through the process of photosynthesis, plants are able to
manufacture their own food, but mammals are not able to do so and must rely on plants or other animals to
survive.
Animals can obtain sustenance directly from plants (herbivores) or indirectly through consuming other
animals that have eaten plants (carnivores). Omnivores are creatures that consume both vegetation and other
animals for food. Food is necessary for the survival and growth of all living things.
Nutrients, or various components found in food, include vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbs, and fats. These
are all necessary for the body to function. Because these components are complicated and cannot be used
directly, the procedure divides them into simpler components. Crawley, M.J. (1983)

1. Modes of nutrition in animals

Animal growth and survival depend on their ability to eat. Animals cannot use photosynthesis to make their
own food, unlike plants. Rather, their sustenance comes from outside sources

Modes The two crucial feeding methods are as follows

2.1 Autotrophic nutrition: Using light, water, and carbon dioxide, plants and other photosynthetic
creatures make their own food in this type of nutrition.
2.2 Heterotrophic nutrition: The animals are unable to cook for themselves. As a result, their only source
of food is other animals. Heterotrophic nutrition is the term used for this herbivores. Crawley, M.J. (1983)

3.Herbivorous animals

are defined as those that primarily consume organisms that use photosynthesis for sustenance rather than
animal protein in order to survive. Not with standing this shared trait, there is a vast diversity of herbivorous
animal species. They include some of the tiniest and largest land animals on the planet. Herbivore mammals
can therefore be categorized in a variety of ways. They possess a wide range of traits, not all of them are
diet-related Comprehend. Crawley, M.J. (1983)

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Figure-3.1 Herbivores Animals

Harwood, R. (2023)

3.1Chracterstic of herbivours

 They don't typically have canine teeth.

 The broad molars are designed to be used in the grinding of vegetable stuff.
 The incisors of herbivorous mammals, like rodents, are always growing.
 They lack the enzymes necessary to degrade the glucose molecules that comprise cellulose. They
do, however, have bacteria and protozoa that can carry out this crucial task
 The well-developed cecum, a part of the digestive system where fermentation and absorption take
place, is found in several herbivorous mammals. Crawley, M.J. (1983)

3.2 Herbivours nutrition

3.2.1 Herbivorous animals, also known as herbivores, primarily consume plant-based food to meet their
nutritional needs. Unlike carnivores (meat-eaters) or omnivores (which eat both plants and animals),
herbivores rely exclusively on plant material. Their diet may include a variety of plant parts such as:

 Fruits
 Vegetables
 Nuts
 Seeds
 Grasses

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  Roots
 Algae
 Other types of foliage

These animals have evolved specialized digestive systems to efficiently process and extract nutrients from
plant matter. Let’s explore some key points about herbivores:

1. Ruminants vs. Hindgut Fermenters:

o Ruminants (such as cattle, sheep, and goats) have a four-chambered stomach that allows
them to ferment food in the rumen. They produce volatile fatty acids (VFAs) during this
process.
o Hindgut fermenters (like horses) ferment food in the cecum, which is part of their large
intestine. lad, A. Smith, S.(n.d.).
2. Feeding Dairy Cows:
o Dairy cows give birth to produce milk. They are typically milked 2 or 3 times a day.
o The average duration of lactation (milk production) is 305 days.
o Cows are dry (not milked) for 2 months before calving again.
o Their nutritional needs change throughout their production cycle. lad, A. Smith, S.(n.d.).
3. Herbivores in the Wild:
o Herbivores can be found in various ecosystems, from grasslands to forests.
o Examples include deer, koalas, some bird species, and invertebrates like crickets and
caterpillars.

Remember, herbivores play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem balance by shaping plant communities
and supporting other organisms in the food chain. lad, A. Smith, S.(n.d.).

4. Definition of carnivours

A carnivore meaning 'meat eater' is an organism that derives its energy and nutrient requirements from a
diet consisting mainly or exclusively of animal tissue, whether through predation or scavenging. Animals
that depend solely on animal flesh for their nutrient requirements are called obligate carnivores while those
that also consume non-animal food are called facultative carnivores. A carnivore that sits at the top of the
food chain is termed an apex predator. Scheckel, P. (Ed.). (2016).

4.1 Carnivores animals

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Figure# 4.1: Carnivores Animals

Harwood, R. (2023)

Creatures classified as carnivores feed on other animals in order to survive. The most important component
of their diet is the meat. Their physical characteristics let them to hunt, catch, and eat their prey with
efficiency. But large carnivores do not always need to be large in order to catch their prey. For example,
although the honey badger is not very large, it is extremely ferocious and will eat squirrels and mice.
Carnivores are mostly solitary creatures. To put it another way, they typically live alone and travel alone.
Schenkel, P. (Ed.). (2016).

4.2 Physical Adaptation of Carnivores Animals

Carnivores differ greatly from other animals due to their physical characteristics. They really are excellent
hunters and consumers because of that. Carnivores can hunt more successfully because of the eyes on the
front of their heads.
Additionally, it enables individuals to perceive depth. It is a very useful tool for hunting since it allows the
animal to estimate the distance and speed of their prey from a great distance. Moreover, the majority of
carnivores have strong jaws and pointed teeth.
It makes it possible for them to hold down tough prey with ease and bite the meat efficiently. Put another
way, unlike herbivores, carnivores have sharp canines and incisors. This aids them in tearing the flesh.
Pond, W.G., Church, D.C., & Pond, K.R. (2004).

4.3 EXAMPLES

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  Tigers

 Sharks

 Venus Fly Traps

 Lions

4.3.1 Tigers

All of the large cats you see are predators. The largest of all the deadly and vicious animals is the tiger. By
employing their stripes as concealment, they ambush their prey with stealth. They eat between forty and
eighty-five pounds of beef every day. Since they prefer to consume their entire meal in a single murder,
they typically live alone. Pond, W.G., Church, D.C., & Pond, K.R. (2004).

4.3.2.Sharks
Because of their great strength, speed, and razor-sharp teeth, sharks are among the most feared marine
predators. They are extremely lethal and fairly enormous in size. The great white shark is without a doubt
the most dangerous. Sharks often swim fifteen miles per hour. They can catch their prey with their speed,
and they can consume it with the help of their keen fangs. Most remarkably, they can detect blood droplets
across a distance of three kilometers by scent alone. Pond, W.G., Church, D.C., & Pond, K.R. (2004).

4.3.3VenusFlyTraps
Contrary to popular belief, plants can also be carnivores. An excellent illustration of a carnivorous plant is
this one. It captures insects and then consumes them. Because of their rapid speed, these plants seize their
prey before they have a chance to flee. Once you've caught it, Pond, W.G., Church, D.C., & Pond, K.R.
(2004).
4.3.4 Lion
As generalist hypercarnivores, lions are. They mostly hunt young giraffes, buffalo, zebras, antelopes,
gazelles, deer, warthogs, wildebeest, and young elephants. They also occasionally kill hares and birds.
When the chance presents itself, lions can also feed on carrion, either from animals that have died naturally
from illnesses or from animals that were murdered by other predators like hyenas. Pond, W.G., Church,
D.C., & Pond, K.R. (2004).

5. Omnivours animals

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 Species classified as omnivores consume both plants and animals. While it is true that some animals are
restricted to eating only plants and others to only meat, omnivores are not like that.
Because they are different, they must eat both of these to live. Because they can readily find alternatives in
their surroundings, it makes their survival easier. They hunt their prey similarly to carnivores, and they also
eat plant stuff like herbivores do. In addition, it is known that omnivores consume decomposing and dead
materials.
This implies that scavengers fall under this category as well. Because they have more possibilities than the
other two, omnivores can easily obtain food. (“Omnivore |Eating Habits, Diet and Digestion|.” 2024)

Figure#5.1: Omnivorous animals

Chart 285-Omnivorous animals (2017)

5.1. Key Character

 Omnivores can be opportunistic feeders, adapting to various food sources.

 They hunt prey like carnivores and also forage for plant matter like herbivores.
 Humans are a classic example of omnivores, as we consume both animals and plants.
 Omnivores can also scavenge, feeding on carrion or dead decaying matter.
 Some omnivores are ovivores, meaning they eat eggs of other animals when the opportunity arises

(“Omnivore |Eating Habits, Diet and Digestion|.” 2024)

5.2. Examples bears birds dog humans

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The most notable instances of omnivorous animals are humans. The vast majority of mammals, or members
of the animal kingdom Mammalia, are omnivores. A raccoon is another mammal that, depending on the
circumstances, will consume both plants and animals. For their animal diet, they consume mice, fish, frogs,
and insects; for their plant diet, they consume fruits and vegetables.
2. A large number of birds and aquatic creatures are omnivores. This encompasses flamingos, swans, ducks,
and certain fish species.
3. Omnivorous mammals include pigs, rhinos, mice, chipmunks, and so on (“Omnivore |Eating Habits,
Diet and Digestion|.” 2024)

5.3. Nutrition requirments

 Macronutrients Omnivores require a balance of macronutrients, including carbohydrates, proteins, and

fats. ...
 Micronutrients: Omnivores need a wide range of vitamins and minerals for optimal health. ...
 Plant-Based Foods: Omnivores consume plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes,
and nuts. ...
 Animal-Based Foods: Significant component of an omnivore’s diet. (“Omnivore |Eating Habits,
Diet and Digestion|.” 2024)
5.3.1 House sparrow
Being omnivores, house sparrows consume whatever food that is available. Their primary sources of food
include weed and grain seeds, as well as buds, berries, and fruits like cherries and grapes. Additionally,
they frequently consume earthworms, mollusks, crabs, insects, and even vertebrates like frogs and lizards.
(“Omnivore |Eating Habits, Diet and Digestion|.” 2024)
5.3.2 Brown bear
An omnivore is a brown bear. Their diets are mostly determined by the types of food that are available
during a given season. As such, they eat grass and sprouts in the spring, berries and apples in the summer,
and nuts and plums in the fall. They also consume insects, roots, honey, and reptiles. While brown bears in
Alaska consume salmon in the summer, those in the Canadian Rockies subsist on animals like moose and
elk. (“Omnivore |Eating Habits, Diet and Digestion|.” 2024)
5.3.3 Red fox
Being both omnivores and scavengers, red foxes consume a wide variety of foods. Their primary source of
food is small rodents, including pocket gophers, deer mice, gerbils, ground squirrels, mice, and hamsters.
Insects, tiny reptiles, raccoons, hares, rabbits, porcupines, and birds are among the other things they

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consume. Carrion is also consumed by red foxes, although they usually do this at night and in the late
evening. (“Omnivore |Eating Habits, Diet and Digestion|.” 2024)
5.3.4 Fisher
Although they eat a wide range of tiny animals, fishers are omnivores and mostly hunt porcupines and
snowshoe hares, despite their name. Additionally, they add different insects, nuts, berries, and mushrooms
to their diet. (“Omnivore |Eating Habits, Diet and Digestion|.” 2024)

5.4. Different types of nutrition in animals

5.4.1 Filter feeding
Getting nutrients from particles floating in water is known as filter feeding. Fish use it frequently.
5.4.2 Deposit feeding
is the process of getting nutrients from soil- suspended particles. This is how earthworms absorb food.
5.4.3 fluid feeding
Getting nutrients by ingesting the fluids of other species is known as fluid feeding. This technique of food
consumption is demonstrated by mosquitoes and honey bees.
5.4.4 Bulk feeding
Eating an organism in its entirety to gain nutrients is known as bulk feeding. Python is one example.
5.4.5 Ram feeding and suction feeding
It involve consuming prey through the bodily fluids around it. This style of swallowing is typically
displayed by fish that are aquatic predators, like bony fish.
Gokulnath, D. Raveendran, B. (n.d.)

5.5 Nutrients used by animals

In contrast to the basic nutritional needs of plants, the majority of animals have very complicated and broad
dietary requirements. Animals consume lipids, proteins, carbs, nucleic acids, minerals, and vitamins among
other nutrients.
5.5.1 Carbohydrates All animals primarily obtain their energy from carbohydrates. Unlike plants, which
produce carbs through photosynthesis, animals get their carbohydrates from the outside world.
Carbohydrates make up between half and two thirds of the total calories an animal consumes on a daily
basis.
5.5.2 Glucose The most common carbohydrate utilized as an energy source is glucose. A portion of the
energy generated by the metabolism of this monosaccharide during cellular respiration is utilized to create
adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Starch, sucrose, lactose, and maltose are other helpful carbs.

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5.5.3 Nucleic acid Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), ribonucleic acid (RNA), and ATP are all made from
nucleic acids. Animal and plant tissues, particularly those with nuclei, are where animals get their nucleic
acids. Nucleotides, which are taken up by the cells, are produced when the nucleic acids are broken down
during digestion.

5.5.4 Protiens The structure of the mammalian body is made up of proteins. Membranes, organelles, and
the cytoplasm all depend on proteins. They are also the primary building blocks of tendons, ligaments, and
muscles in addition to being the vital components of enzymes. Twenty different types of amino acids make
up proteins. While a large number of amino acids are produced, a large number must be obtained from diet.
Amino acids, which are absorbed into the body when proteins are broken down during digestion,
Gokulnath, D. Raveendran, B. (n.d.)

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 REFRENCES
Agar, S (2001) Small animal nutrition. Elsevier limited : London
Crawley, M.J. (1983) Herbivory: the dynamics of animal-plant interactions Oxford, Blackwell
Scientific. 437p. ISBN 0-632-00808-3
Chart 285-Omniorous animals (2017, January 25) Spectrum Educational Charts.
https://spectrumchart.blogspot.com/2017/01/chart-285-omnivorous-animals.html
Harwood, R. (2023, February 5). Examples of Herbivores Animals list, pictures and Interesting
Facts, Active Wild. https://www.activewild.com/examples-of-herbivores/
Gokulnath, D. Raveendran, B. (n.d.) BYJU’S. https://en.wikipedia.org/
Lad, A. Smith, S. (n.d.) WILDLIFE INFORMER. WILDLIFE INFORMER: Animal facts and
nature information. https://wildlifeinformer.com/
Omnivore |Eating Habits, Diet and Digestion|. (2024, February 22). Britannica.
https://www.britannica.com/
Schenkel, P. (Ed.). (2016). Nutritional Strategies of Animal Feed Additives. Springer.

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