should herbivores be referred to as predators? justify your answer.?

Answer 1

Predation may be defined as the act of seeking out and eating animals which are known as prey. Thus predators are part of the group of animals known as "carnivores" (meat eaters).

This is different from scavengers which seek out and eat animals which are already dead. Scavengers are therefore also carnivores.

Herbivores are defined as animals which eat plant matter. As they do not seek out living animals (or indeed even dead ones!) to eat they are not therefore regarded as predators.

Some animals (eg. bears, humans, chimps) are omnivores which mean that they eat both meat and plants. These animals may therefore sometimes act as predators whilst at other times they eat plants.

Answer 2

Predator is defined by the American Heritage dict as an organism that lives by preying on other organisms.

Technically, following this definition, herbivores can also be classified as predators since plants are also organisms.
However, the norm is that when one speaks of preying, they usually visualize an animal.

Answer 3

I wouldn't consider them predators. Justify your question.

Answer 4

No. It's not like you have to stalk and pounce on grass before it gets away. Plant's aren't known for their speed, and ability to get evade.

Answer 5

yes, think of the poor herbs..