hypocarnivorous

Hypocarnivorous describes an animal that consumes a diet consisting of less than 70% meat. While the term implies a predominantly carnivorous diet, hypocarnivorous animals are facultative carnivores, meaning they can survive and thrive on a diet that includes a significant portion of non-animal matter. This can include fruits, vegetables, insects, or other plant-based foods.

The distinction between hypocarnivorous and omnivorous can sometimes be blurry, but generally, hypocarnivores are still considered primarily meat-eaters. Their digestive systems are adapted for processing meat, but they possess the flexibility to incorporate other food sources when necessary or beneficial. This dietary strategy can be advantageous in environments where meat availability fluctuates.

Examples of animals that might be considered hypocarnivorous include some species of bears, which consume berries and roots in addition to fish and insects, and certain canids like foxes, which supplement their meat intake with fruits and small invertebrates. The exact classification can depend on the specific species and their observed dietary habits in their natural habitat.