GRANCIVORY ANIMALS: What are, characteristics, types and examples

They have morphological adaptations

• Picos and teeth: Many granivorous birds have robust and adapted peaks to break hard seed shells. Here you can know the different types of bird peaks. In the case of mammals, such as squirrels and mice, they have incisive teeth that allow them to crack and wear the seeds.
• Digestive structures: The granivores have adaptations in their digestive system, such as molleja in birds, which facilitates seed crushing before digestion, increasing the efficiency in nutrient absorption.

Choose a habitat that benefits them

These animals require habitats where seeds and grains are abundant. They usually inhabit areas adjacent to fruit forests or savannas, avoiding ecosystems such as mangroves, where food resources are limited.

The seeds disperse

The granivores play a vital role in the predation of seeds, which can affect the viability of the plants they consume. However, they also facilitate the dispersion of seeds through their excrement, contributing to the regeneration of ecosystems.

In this other article we talk more about the dispersion of seeds: what is, types and examples.

Long distances are transferred to feed

Many granivores make significant daily trips to access food sources. For example, some species of pigeons can fly up to 20 km to feed in nearby forests.

They have an impact on biodiversity

By influencing the distribution and abundance of plant species, granivores contribute to maintaining biodiversity in ecosystems. Its seed predation and dispersion affect the composition of the local flora.

Herbivorous granivores

Those who, In addition to consuming seeds or grains, complement their diet with other plant sources, such as Leaves, fruits and flowers. This type of granivores includes many rodent species and some birds that can adapt to different food resources according to seasonal availability. For example, in environments such as deserts, these animals can be crucial for seed dispersion, since their consumption helps regulate plant populations.

Omnivorous granivores

The omnivorous granivores feed on seeds or grains but also include in their diet, although to a lesser extent, food of animal origin. This may include insects, animal remains or even decomposition organic matter. This type of diet allows them to be more flexible in their search for food, which is especially useful in ecosystems where seed availability can fluctuate. Birds that feed on seeds and also hunt insects are clear examples of omnivorous granivores.

In addition to diet -based classification, granivores can also be divided according to the time the seeds consume:

Predation seed predators

This group includes those animals that feed on the seeds while they are still in the plant. Many times, these species are specialized insects that have adapted their life cycle to the seasonal availability of seeds.

Post dispersion seed predators

This group covers a variety of animals, including insects, birds and mammals, which consume seeds after they have been released or falls. They have more general eating habits, adapting to the heterogeneity of the seeds in their surroundings.

Granivorous birds

• Guacamaya
• Chickens
• Faisanes
• Turkeys
• Quail
• Ducks
• Goldfinch
• Sparrows
• Doves
• Pinches

In this link we talk about herbivorous birds: examples and characteristics.

Granivorous mammals

• Hamster
• Squirrels
• Jerbos
• Mice
• Pigs
• Cobaya
• Otter
• Topos
• Bats
• Capibaras

Here you can discover the different types of mammals, their characteristics and examples.

Granivorous invertebrate animals

• Gorgjos
• Broks
• Moths
• Worm
• Irons
• Termites
• Beetles
• Snails

In this other post you will learn more about invertebrate animals: examples and characteristics.

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