Question

The animal which eats both plants and other animals are
A. Autotrophic
B. Herbivorous
C. Carnivorous
D. Omnivorous

Answer 1

Hint: Any substance that is consumed to provide the nutrition to an organism can be termed as food. Food is mainly animal, plant and fungal in its origin. The different species have different food eating habits depending on their ecological niche, type of metabolism.

Complete answer:
• The autotrophic organisms are the ones which could make their own food. They make their own food generally by the process of photosynthesis, in the presence of sunlight and water. For example green plants and some algae. Thus, the option [A] is incorrect.

• The herbivores organisms are the ones which eat only plants and the products derived from the plants. For example deer, caterpillar etc. Basically they eat the autotrophic organisms. Thus, option [B] is incorrect.

• The carnivorous organisms are the ones which eat only the flesh of animals and other organisms. Basically they eat herbivorous organisms. Thus, option [C] is incorrect.

• The omnivorous organisms are the ones which eat both the plants as well as the animals. Basically, they eat both the herbivorous and autotrophic organisms.
Hence, the correct answer is option (D).

Note: The omnivorous organisms are present on the third trophic level of the energy pyramid. The examples of omnivorous organisms are foxes, raccoons, dogs, birds, bears, humans, and some insects. They obtain their energy from the animal and plant matter, and are able to digest fiber, fats, proteins, carbohydrates and could even metabolize the nutrients via which the energy is absorbed in the body.