The hyena is a carnivore. Justin claims that hyenas need plants to survive, but Kaden says that they don't because they only eat meat. Who is correct and why?
What food do the hyenas' prey eat?
they eat herbivores
To determine who is correct, we need to gather some information. Let's start by understanding the eating habits of hyenas.
Hyenas are indeed classified as carnivores because they primarily consume meat. They are skilled hunters and scavengers, known for their ability to take down and eat large prey. Their diet mainly consists of animals such as antelopes, zebras, wildebeests, and other mammals.
However, hyenas are not strict carnivores like some big cats. They are actually opportunistic feeders and have the ability to adapt their diet based on the availability of food sources. This means that while meat forms the majority of their diet, they can also consume plant matter if necessary.
Hyenas are known to scavenge from carcasses and consume bones, skin, and even plant materials like fruits and grasses. In times of food scarcity or to supplement their nutritional needs, hyenas may engage in plant consumption. This behavior is particularly observed in spotted hyenas, which have more omnivorous tendencies compared to other species.
Therefore, Justin's claim that hyenas need plants to survive is not entirely accurate, as they primarily rely on meat for their diet. However, Kaden's claim that hyenas don't need plants because they only eat meat is also not entirely correct, as hyenas can indeed consume plant matter if necessary.
In summary, hyenas are carnivores that primarily eat meat, but they also have the capability to consume plant materials and may occasionally do so for various reasons.