Are Humans Carnivores?

In biological terms, carnivores are animals that primarily eat other animals. However, most classification systems exist on a spectrum rather than being absolute categories.

Evolution has shaped different species to thrive on different diets. Some animals are obligate carnivores (must eat meat), others are facultative carnivores (prefer meat but can eat plants), and still others are omnivores.

The key question is often about nutritional needs rather than strict classification. Some animals require nutrients found only in animal foods, while others can synthesize or obtain these nutrients from plant sources.

Understanding animal dietary patterns can inform our thinking about human nutrition, but we must be careful about making direct comparisons. Human dietary flexibility is both a strength and a source of confusion.