Solomon Talks: On The Subject of Diet
Special guest lecturer Caracal Solomon gives a quick talk on some of the aspects of an animal society. Today's topic: the social classification of carnivores, herbivores, and omnivores, and their diets.
Good afternoon, all. This is Caracal Solomon, speaking to you at the behest of one "Malaise Soup" (what an odd name). It is my understanding that the world you inhabit is quite different from my own, so there are certain social principles that, although first nature to me, perhaps elude you. This Soup character asked me to elaborate on some aspects of the society I live in so that when certain terms or ideas are referenced, you shall not be left in the dark.
Well then. Let's begin with simple social classification. While your civilization is one that is composed solely of a singular species, my society is comprised of millions of different animal species. These range from mammalian (like me), to reptilian, to avian, to even amphibian. I have been informed your world is also home to "fish" and other such creatures that dwell in the sea. Such a concept is unheard of here, unfortunately. Our ocean is home only to a rich variety of plants, most of which are inedible, but some of which are farmed, harvested and sold as food. Insects seem to be mostly identical in terms of intelligence, variety and prevalence between our worlds. These too are farmed and used as an alternative protein source to carnivores, though the consumption of insects is strictly regulated by our government.
This leads into the main topic of discourse I was asked to elaborate upon: diet. You must certainly be aware of the concept of carnivores and herbivores, no? The idea of animal who only feed off of meat or plants is simple enough, but in reality, most animals are omnivorous, meaning they can eat both meat and plant, to varying extents. Such animals include monkeys, apes, most birds (including a good pigeon friend of mine), bears, pigs, etc. A "true" carnivore (or "carnie", not to be mistaken for carnival workers) such as myself or our student council president is biologically predisposed to an exclusively meat-based diet. I believe the scientific term is "obligate carnivore". Likewise, a "true" or "obligate" herbivore (or herbie) such as our vice president has a body specifically designed to digest plants and plants alone.
The true dilemma when it comes to classification lies within omnivores. These are typically split into two factions: "carnie-leaning" and "herbie-leaning". As the names imply, these two groups are differentiated based on the general desire for meat consumption. "Carnie-leaning" omnivores can also be described as "opportunistic carnivores", meaning they have the digestive ability to both crave and consume meat, but it is not necessarily their primary food source, evolutionarily speaking. The bear, for example, is technically classified as an opportunistic carnivore, despite their stature.
"Herbie-leaning" carnivores typically include those who can consume insects, or insectivores, but typically do not have a strong natural urge for meat. My aforementioned pigeon friend is such an animal.
That being said, these are simply the technical classifications. In reality, these omnivores are, for the most part, lumped together with either extreme. A bear may be an omnivore, but it is very much treated socially as a carnivore. Likewise, most birds can eat insects with no problem, but they are by all intents and purposes, herbivores. What's more, a bird eating an insect would be very much frowned upon. That is why many herbie-leaning omnivores have seldom tasted flesh, if at all.
Pure herbivores have very little troubles when it comes to maintaining a healthy diet, but true carnivores must take great care in regulating a balanced vegetarian diet. We require much more protein than our herbivorous friends. Eggs, milk, soy and legumes are essential for our health. Additionally, our appetites and caloric needs are typically larger than the average herbivore. A good counter to this are high-calorie energy bars that are sold just about everywhere. Sadly, there are some carnivores who fail to responsibly carry out vegetarian lifestyles and instead stoop so low as to buy meat illegally. The meat cartel is primarily managed within black markets, unsavory blemishes hidden in the crevices of any city. Any self-respecting carnivore would not set foot within such a place, but in reality, meat dealing and contraband is a pressing issue that cannot be resolved easily, as it is rarely even discussed openly. I also dislike talking about it.
I believe I have rambled on for long enough, an unfortunate habit of mine. I hope I have helped you understand this society of mine, and piqued your interest to perhaps learn more about it in the future.
Cordially,
Caracal Solomon
P.S. As you may have noticed, one formally introduces oneself or refers to others using [species name] [given name]. When enough intimacy is established, using only one's given name is sufficient.