What type of consumer is specialized in eating only specific types of prey?

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The term "specialist consumer" refers to organisms that have a diet that is restricted to specific types of prey or food sources. These consumers have adaptations that allow them to efficiently exploit these known food items. For example, a specialist may feed exclusively on a certain type of plant or a specific species of animal, which can give them a competitive advantage in environments where that food is abundant.

Specialist consumers are contrasted with generalist consumers, which are capable of consuming a wide variety of prey or food sources. While carnivores (meat-eaters) and herbivores (plant-eaters) describe the type of food consumed, they do not specify whether the consumption is broad or specialized. Therefore, the most accurate description for the consumer that only targets specific types of prey is the specialist consumer, as it specifically highlights the narrow focus of their dietary habits.

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