Question

What type of organism eats both plants and animals?
(a) Herbivore
(b) Carnivore
(c) Omnivore
(d) Autotroph
(e) Detritivore

Answer 1

Hint: The collective name for such a group of organisms that thrive both on plants and animals comes from the Latin word omnis, which means all.

Complete answer: The animals having the ability to eat and survive on both plant and animal matter are known as omnivore animals. Thus they obtain energy and nutrients both from plants and animals. They digest carbohydrates, protein, fat, and fiber, and metabolize the nutrients and energy of the sources absorbed. Also, they often can incorporate food sources such as algae, fungi, and bacteria into their diet.

Additional Information:
1. An autotroph, also called producer, is an organism that can produce its food using light, water, carbon dioxide, or other chemicals. Examples- green plants and algae.
2. A detritivore is a heterotrophic organism. It obtains its nutrition by feeding on the organic matter made up of dead animal and plant remains, known as detritus. Examples- invertebrate insects such as mites and butterflies; mollusks such as slugs and snails; or soil-dwelling earthworms, millipedes and woodlice.

So, the correct answer is ‘omnivore eats both plants and animals’.

Notes:
1. Omnivores come from diverse backgrounds. They often have independently evolved and sophisticated consumption capabilities.
2. For example, dogs have primarily evolved from carnivorous organisms whereas pigs primarily evolved from herbivorous organisms (Artiodactyla).
3. Various animals that are categorized as omnivores can be placed into further sub-categories depending upon their feeding behaviors. For example, Frugivores include maned wolves and orangutans, insectivores include swallows and pink fairy armadillos while granivores include large ground finches and mice.