Are humans carnivores?

Like most primates, humans are omnivores. This means that they obtain energy by eating both plants and animals. Carnivores consume only meat, while herbivores eat only plants for energy.

During evolution, many mammals begin as herbivores, transition to omnivores and ultimately become carnivores. Humans and most other primates remain at the omnivore level, which is an advantage, because they are able to eat a wide variety of foods in addition too meat. Omnivores adapt easily when available food sources change within their environment. The digestive systems and teeth of carnivores and herbivores limit their intake. If the availability of food changes in their habitats, starvation often occurs.