Carnivore, omnivore, herbivore research

Appendix 4 presents a framework for students to conduct research on different types of animals based on their dietary habits: carnivores, omnivores, and herbivores. Students are encouraged to create lists to categorise animals into these three groups. A carnivore is an animal that primarily consumes meat, an omnivore eats both plant and animal matter, and a herbivore feeds exclusively on plant material. The research activity prompts students to express their surprise if they find an animal's diet classification unexpected, encouraging them to delve deeper into the reasons behind these dietary behaviours.

The classification of animals into carnivores, omnivores, and herbivores is based on what they eat, which in turn influences their digestive systems, teeth structure, and hunting or foraging behaviours. Carnivores typically have sharp teeth and claws adapted for hunting and consuming meat, while herbivores have broader, flatter teeth suited for grinding plant material. Omnivores have a combination of teeth types that allow them to process a varied diet. Understanding these main differences helps students grasp how animals have evolved to thrive in their particular ecological niches and how their feeding habits impact the food chain and ecosystem dynamics.