The primary diet of herbivores consists of plant materials, which include leaves, fruits, stems, seeds, and roots. Herbivores have specialized digestive systems to extract nutrients from tough plant fibers, typically utilizing enzymes and microbial fermentation processes. Their adaptations can range from the multi-chambered stomachs of ruminants like cows, which allow for re-chewing and fermentation of food, to the long intestines in species like horses, optimizing nutrient absorption. This diet is essential for energy, growth, and overall health, as herbivores often maintain ecosystems by facilitating plant growth and serving as prey for carnivores.