A term for an animal that eats both plants and animals is called what?

A term for an animal that eats both plants and animals is called what?

• A. Omnivore
• B. Herbivore
• C. Carnivore
• D. Detritivore

Answer: (A)

Eating both plants and animals is described as omnivory. An omnivore has a mixed diet, drawing nourishment from both plant matter and animal prey, which makes it a flexible feeding strategy. Humans are a familiar example, and many bears, pigs, and some birds share this trait. This stands in contrast to herbivores, which eat plants only; carnivores, which eat animals; and detritivores, which feed on decaying organic material. So the term that best fits an animal that eats both plants and animals is omnivore.

Eating both plants and animals is described as omnivory. An omnivore has a mixed diet, drawing nourishment from both plant matter and animal prey, which makes it a flexible feeding strategy. Humans are a familiar example, and many bears, pigs, and some birds share this trait. This stands in contrast to herbivores, which eat plants only; carnivores, which eat animals; and detritivores, which feed on decaying organic material. So the term that best fits an animal that eats both plants and animals is omnivore.