Can/Is herbivory considered predation of plants?
@PsyDAG I could have googled that (as did you), but that is not my question. My question is if herbivory is a form of predation on plants. In other words, are herbivores considered predators of plants for consumption of them?
her·biv·o·ry
/(h)ərˈbivərē/
noun
the state or condition of feeding on plants.
"pandas' shift to herbivory makes them particularly sensitive to this habitat loss"
https://www.google.com/search?source=hp&ei=uuCkXMCfLozQsAWEj7CADA&q=predation+of+plants&btnK=Google+Search&oq=predation+of+plants&gs_l=psy-ab.3..0j0i22i30.3128.3128..4739...0.0..0.123.123.0j1......0....2j1..gws-wiz.....0.ijKpm1uXi0Y
Yes, herbivory can be considered a form of predation of plants. Predation generally refers to the act of one organism consuming another for energy and nutrients. While traditionally associated with animals consuming other animals, the term can also be applied to plants being consumed by herbivores.
To understand why herbivory is considered a form of predation in this context, we can break down the process. Herbivores are animals that primarily feed on plants, obtaining nutrients and energy by consuming plant tissues. In doing so, they actively seek out and consume specific parts of plants, such as leaves, stems, or fruits, which may result in harm or even death to the plants.
Since predation involves one organism (the predator) consuming another organism (the prey) for sustenance, herbivory adheres to this definition. The herbivores are actively preying on plants, relying on them as a primary food source. Therefore, herbivory can be considered predation of plants.