Which feeding group includes species that eat both plants and animals, depending on the season?

Which feeding group includes species that eat both plants and animals, depending on the season?

• A. Herbivores
• B. Carnivores
• C. Insectivores
• D. Omnivores

Answer: (D)

Omnivores are animals that eat both plants and animals, and their diet often changes with the seasons as food availability shifts. This flexibility explains a species that will eat plant matter when fruits, seeds, or foliage are plentiful and switch to animal matter like insects or small prey when those plant options are scarcer. Herbivores eat plant material only, carnivores rely on animal tissue, and insectivores specialize in insects. The seasonal shift between plant and animal foods is the hallmark of omnivory.

Omnivores are animals that eat both plants and animals, and their diet often changes with the seasons as food availability shifts. This flexibility explains a species that will eat plant matter when fruits, seeds, or foliage are plentiful and switch to animal matter like insects or small prey when those plant options are scarcer. Herbivores eat plant material only, carnivores rely on animal tissue, and insectivores specialize in insects. The seasonal shift between plant and animal foods is the hallmark of omnivory.