IGCSE Biology glossary
Carnivore
Biology editorial review is supported by the named review panel. Reviewer participation may vary by guide. Checked against Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 (2026–2028); last reviewed August 2026.
Definition
An animal that feeds on other animals. Carnivores can be secondary consumers (eating herbivores), tertiary consumers (eating other carnivores) or top predators. Examples include foxes, hawks and lions.
What to include in an exam answer
A carnivore that eats herbivores is a secondary consumer. A carnivore that eats other carnivores is a tertiary consumer. In food web questions, follow the arrows to determine which level.
Example in context
In a food chain, at which trophic level is a carnivore that feeds on a herbivore? (1 mark): The third trophic level (secondary consumer).
Related syllabus topic
Organisms & their environment