Omnivores

Definition

Omnivores are animals that consume both plant and animal matter as part of their diet. They have digestive systems adapted to process a varied diet.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Omnivores have versatile teeth structures, including both flat molars for grinding plants and sharp canines for tearing meat.
2. The digestive enzymes in omnivores are capable of breaking down both cellulose from plants and proteins from animals.
3. Examples of omnivorous animals include humans, bears, pigs, and raccoons.
4. Omnivores play a crucial role in ecosystems by controlling the population of both primary producers (plants) and primary consumers (herbivores).
5. The ability to eat a wide variety of foods allows omnivores to adapt to different environments and food availability.

Review Questions

• What types of food do omnivores consume?
• How are the teeth of omnivores adapted for their diet?
• Why are omnivores important for ecosystem balance?

Related terms

Herbivores:

Animals that primarily eat plant-based foods.

Carnivores:

Animals that primarily consume meat.

Digestive Enzymes: Proteins that speed up chemical reactions involved in digestion, breaking down complex molecules into simpler ones.