Carnivore explained to kids

A carnivore is an animal that lives by eating other animals. The word “carnivore” comes from the Latin words for “flesh” (carnis) and “eater” (vorare). Most carnivores have sharp teeth and strong claws that help them kill and eat their prey. Carnivores come in all shapes and sizes. The smallest carnivore is the least weasel, which weighs only about an ounce (28 grams). The largest carnivore is the polar bear, which can weigh more than 1,700 pounds (770 kilograms). Carnivores can be found all over the world. Some, like the snow leopard, live in cold, mountainous regions. Others, like the Komodo dragon, live in hot, dry places. Some carnivores, such as lions and tigers, live in groups called “prides” or “packs.” Others, such as crocodiles and Komodo dragons, are solitary hunters. Carnivores are an important part of the food chain. They help keep populations of other animals under control. For example, if there were no carnivores, the deer population would increase so much that there would not be enough food for them to eat. This would lead to widespread starvation and death. Carnivores are also important to humans. People have been hunting and eating meat for more than 2 million years. Today, meat is still a major source of food for people all over the world.