An organism that eats both living plants and animals is considered a Group of answer choices Carnivore. Detritivore. Herbivore. Omnivore.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is Omnivore.
An omnivore is an organism that consumes both plant material (vegetation) and animal matter. This dietary versatility allows omnivores to adapt to a variety of environments, as they can exploit different sources of food depending on availability. Examples of omnivores include humans, bears, raccoons, and many bird species, which have evolved to eat a combination of fruits, vegetables, insects, and other animals.
In contrast:
- Carnivores only eat animal flesh. Examples include lions, hawks, and sharks. These animals are often apex predators or scavengers.
- Herbivores strictly eat plants. Examples include cows, deer, and rabbits. Their digestive systems are adapted to process plant material, often through complex fermentation processes.
- Detritivores feed on decaying organic material, such as dead plants and animals. They play an important role in ecosystems by breaking down decomposing matter and recycling nutrients. Earthworms and certain types of insects, such as beetles, are detritivores.
The classification of an organism as an omnivore highlights its ability to adapt to a broad range of food sources, increasing its chances of survival in varied habitats. The flexibility in diet also plays a role in the ecological interactions an omnivore has within its environment, as it may act as both a primary consumer (eating plants) and a secondary or tertiary consumer (eating other animals).
