What type of animal exclusively consumes plants?

Herbivores are animals that exclusively consume plants. This classification includes a wide variety of species, from insects like grasshoppers to larger mammals such as cows and elephants. The physiology of herbivores is specialized for digesting plant material, often equipped with flat teeth designed to grind leaves and stems, along with a digestive system that can break down tough plant fibers.

In contrast, carnivores primarily eat meat, utilizing sharp teeth and claws to hunt and consume other animals. Omnivores have a mixed diet, eating both plants and meat, which offers them greater dietary flexibility but does not restrict them solely to plant consumption. Detritivores, on the other hand, feed on decomposing organic material, which can include both plant and animal remains, reflecting another distinct feeding strategy that does not involve exclusive plant consumption. Thus, the definition of herbivores as plant-eaters sets them apart as the correct answer.