An animal that primarily eats plant material is referred to as a herbivore. Herbivores are crucial to ecosystems as they play a role in plant population control and serve as prey for carnivores. Common examples of herbivores include cows, deer, and elephants. These animals possess digestive systems adapted to break down complex carbohydrates found in plant cell walls, allowing them to extract necessary nutrients from vegetation. By consuming plants, they help to recycle nutrients within the ecosystem, facilitating energy flow and contributing to overall biodiversity.