Final answer:
An insectivore is an animal that primarily feeds on insects, with adaptations to this diet. Insectivores can be vertebrates or invertebrates, and they differ from herbivores that eat plants and omnivores that eat both plants and animals.
Step-by-step explanation:
An insectivore, sometimes known as a faunivore, is an animal that primarily feeds on insects. Insects are a rich source of protein and other nutrients, and insectivores have adapted to hunting, capturing, and digesting these small creatures. Insectivorous animals can be identified among both vertebrates, like some birds, bats, and amphibians, and invertebrates, such as the praying mantis and ladybug.
In contrast to herbivores, which consume plants, and carnivores, which eat other animals, insectivores specialize in insects. A subset of carnivores, insectivores often have specific adaptations such as sharp beaks, sticky tongues, or specialized digestive enzymes to handle their chitinous prey. It is important to understand these dietary classifications to appreciate the diversity of feeding strategies among animals and their ecological roles.
It's also noteworthy that omnivores are animals that consume both animal and plant-based foods, and they include humans, bears, and birds. This contrasts with insectivores, which are specialized to mostly or exclusively eat insects.