Biology Diet and Feeding Mechanisms

Diet and Feeding Mechanisms

• Animals have to absorb nutrients to obtain energy and to build and repair their bodies. Depending on their food source, animals may be carnivores, herbivores, omnivores or detritivores. Animals are also adapted to feed in different ways: some are bulk feeders, others feed on fluids, and so on.

• An adequate diet provides fuel, materials for biosynthesis and essential nutrients. Food produces energy, and the energy value of foods is measured in calories.

• There are some important nutrients that the body cannot make for itself. These are essential amino acids, essential fatty acids, vitamins and essential minerals. Absence of one or more of these essential nutrients can lead to deficiency diseases.