What are the organisms that primarily eat plants categorized as?

Organisms that primarily eat plants are categorized as herbivores. Herbivores are essential components of the food chain, as they are the primary consumers that directly obtain energy from producers, which are typically plants. These organisms have adaptations that allow them to efficiently digest plant material, such as specialized teeth for grinding and enzymes that break down cellulose.

Herbivores play a vital role in ecosystems by transferring energy from the plant level to higher trophic levels, including carnivores and omnivores, which depend on them for food. In addition to their nutritional role, herbivores can also influence plant community dynamics and contribute to the health of ecosystems by aiding in seed dispersal and promoting plant diversity through their feeding habits.