Skip to content
IGCSEBiology

IGCSE Biology glossary

Herbivore

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 only on plants or other producers. Herbivores are primary consumers and occupy the second trophic level in a food chain. Examples include rabbits, caterpillars and cows.

What to include in an exam answer

Herbivores are primary consumers. They feed on producers. In food web questions, identify herbivores as animals that have arrows coming from plants only.

Example in context

Define the term herbivore (1 mark): An animal that feeds only on plants (producers).

Related syllabus topic

Organisms & their environment

Related terms