The Complication:
* Direct vs. Indirect Impacts: When we talk about animals being "killed," we usually think of direct slaughter. However, raising plants also has indirect impacts on animal life. For example, clearing land for agriculture destroys habitats, displaces wildlife, and can lead to animal deaths.
* Different Metrics: There are different ways to measure the impact:
* Number of individuals: While plant agriculture does kill a lot of animals through habitat destruction, the direct slaughter of animals in meat production is higher.
* Total biomass: Some argue that the total biomass of animals killed for plant-based agriculture (through habitat loss) might be greater than the biomass of animals killed for meat. This is a controversial claim with limited data.
* Specific Plants and Animals: The impact varies greatly depending on the plant species, the farming methods, and the animal species considered. For example, raising grain for livestock might have a greater impact on certain bird populations than raising fruits and vegetables.
Conclusion:
* Direct Slaughter: Meat production directly kills significantly more animals than plant agriculture.
* Indirect Impacts: Plant agriculture can have a substantial impact on animal life through habitat loss and other factors.
* No Clear Winner: It's challenging to definitively say whether one method kills "more" animals overall. The answer depends on the metric used and the specific circumstances.
Important Note: This discussion highlights the importance of sustainable farming practices, whether for meat or plants, to minimize the impact on ecosystems and wildlife.