What defines an omnivore?

What defines an omnivore?

• A. Animal that eats only plants
• B. Animal that eats only meat
• C. Animal that eats plants and meat
• D. Animal that feeds on detritus

Answer: (C)

An omnivore is defined as an animal that has a diet consisting of both plant and animal sources. This includes a variety of foods such as fruits, vegetables, grains, meat, and sometimes even food from other organisms like fungi. The ability to consume and digest both plant and animal matter allows omnivores to have greater dietary flexibility and adaptability, enabling them to thrive in diverse habitats where resources vary. This definition sets omnivores apart from herbivores, which only eat plants, and carnivores, which only consume meat. Additionally, feeding on detritus—dead organic matter—does not classify an animal as an omnivore; this behavior is typically associated with detritivores, which play a crucial role in ecosystem recycling. Thus, the correct choice clearly indicates the dual dietary nature of omnivores, encapsulating their role in ecological dynamics.

An omnivore is defined as an animal that has a diet consisting of both plant and animal sources. This includes a variety of foods such as fruits, vegetables, grains, meat, and sometimes even food from other organisms like fungi. The ability to consume and digest both plant and animal matter allows omnivores to have greater dietary flexibility and adaptability, enabling them to thrive in diverse habitats where resources vary.

This definition sets omnivores apart from herbivores, which only eat plants, and carnivores, which only consume meat. Additionally, feeding on detritus—dead organic matter—does not classify an animal as an omnivore; this behavior is typically associated with detritivores, which play a crucial role in ecosystem recycling. Thus, the correct choice clearly indicates the dual dietary nature of omnivores, encapsulating their role in ecological dynamics.