Distinguishing Omnivores from Carnivores
The most common and scientifically accurate term for an organism that consumes both plants and animals is an omnivore. The word itself derives from the Latin words omnis, meaning 'all' or 'everything,' and vorare, meaning 'to devour'. This classification applies to most humans, who have evolved with a digestive system capable of processing a wide variety of food sources, from fruits and vegetables to meat and fish. The key is adaptability and opportunism; omnivores can thrive on whatever food is available.
In contrast, a carnivore is an animal whose diet consists exclusively or predominantly of meat. Obligate carnivores, such as lions and tigers, must eat animal flesh to survive, as their digestive systems cannot properly process or gain nutrients from plant matter. They possess specific biological traits, such as strong canine teeth and short digestive tracts, that are optimized for hunting and digesting meat. While some people may jokingly or casually refer to themselves as 'carnivores,' especially if they eat a lot of meat, it is not biologically accurate for humans in a strict sense.
Humans: Biologically Omnivores
Humans have long been classified as omnivores, a classification supported by our anatomical and physiological features.
- Dental Structure: A human's dental arcade includes a mix of teeth types, indicative of an omnivorous diet. We have flat, broad molars for grinding plant matter, as seen in herbivores, alongside sharper incisors and canines for cutting and tearing meat, characteristic of carnivores. This contrasts with the highly specialized teeth of true carnivores or herbivores.
- Digestive System: The human digestive tract is shorter than that of herbivores, but significantly longer than that of obligate carnivores like cats. This medium-length intestine is well-suited for processing a mixed diet. Humans can digest fiber from plants and extract nutrients from meat, showcasing our omnivorous nature.
- Nutritional Needs: Certain nutrients vital for human health, such as Vitamin B12, are found almost exclusively in animal products. While supplementation allows vegans and vegetarians to thrive, the natural requirement for these nutrients points toward a historically mixed diet.
Modern Dietary Labels for Meat-Eaters
While 'omnivore' is the biological term, modern society has developed more specific labels to describe various eating patterns involving meat consumption. These are not scientific classifications but rather descriptors of personal choice or preference.
- Flexitarian: This term combines 'flexible' and 'vegetarian' and describes individuals who follow a mostly plant-based diet but occasionally eat meat or other animal products. This growing trend often focuses on moderation and conscious consumption rather than strict exclusion.
- Pescetarian: A person who avoids all meat and poultry but eats fish and seafood. This is often considered a type of semi-vegetarianism.
- Pollotarian: Someone who abstains from red meat and pork but includes poultry in their diet.
Comparison Table: Omnivore vs. Carnivore
| Feature | Omnivore (Human) | Carnivore (e.g., Lion) |
|---|---|---|
| Diet | Both plant and animal matter | Primarily or exclusively animal flesh |
| Dental Structure | Incisors, canines, and molars | Large, sharp canines and shearing molars |
| Digestive System | Medium-length intestinal tract | Short intestinal tract |
| Nutritional Dependence | Can derive energy from diverse sources | Must obtain essential nutrients from animal flesh |
| Hunting Behavior | Opportunistic, and uses tools for food processing | Instinctual hunter with specialized adaptations |
Ethical and Environmental Considerations
The rise of alternative diets and meat-reduction movements is often driven by ethical concerns regarding animal welfare and the environmental impact of industrial meat production. Animal agriculture is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and land use. For this reason, many individuals are choosing to reduce their meat intake without fully eliminating it, aligning with a flexitarian or semi-vegetarian approach. This shift allows people to mitigate some of these negative impacts while still enjoying meat in moderation.
Furthermore, the discussion around what people who eat meat are called also touches upon the social dynamics between different dietary groups. As noted on Quora, since meat-eating is the statistical norm for humans, a specific, widely used label for it in the same vein as 'vegetarian' is less common. The default position is often simply 'people,' and it's the minority who adopt alternative diets that receive a specialized name. This reflects a cultural norm rather than a biological reality, as all humans belong to the biological classification of omnivores, regardless of personal dietary choice. For example, the term 'non-vegetarian' exists but is simply the negation of a minority status, not a descriptive label of its own accord.
Conclusion
The question of what to call people who eat meat has a straightforward biological answer—they are omnivores. This scientific term reflects our species' evolutionary history and biological capacity to consume a varied diet of both plant and animal matter. In contemporary society, however, numerous labels have emerged to reflect individual dietary choices, such as flexitarian and pescetarian, which acknowledge a more conscious approach to meat consumption. While the casual term 'meat-eater' is widely used, understanding the distinction between a biological omnivore and a modern dietary choice provides a more nuanced and accurate perspective on human eating habits. It helps clarify our place in the natural world and the motivations behind our food choices.
