Dictionary > Omnivorous diet

Omnivorous diet

Definition
noun
A type of diet in which both animal and plant matter are the main food source
Supplement
An omnivorous diet is a type of diet wherein the organism derives energy and nutrients by feeding on both animals and plants. In fact, the diet includes a wider range of food sources, such as fungi, algae, and certain microorganisms. Organisms that thrive on an omnivorous diet are called omnivores. The word is derived from Latin “omnes” (meaning all) and vorare (meaning to devour). Thus, they are also described to be an “all-eater”. Examples of organisms with omnivorous diet are as follows: humans, chickens, emus, ostriches, rheas, robins, starlings, mice, opossums, pigs, rats, rhinoceroses, skunks, manatees, dolphins, ravens, raccoons, coyotes, wasps, flies, cockroaches, gorillas, chimpanzees, orang-utans, bonobos, monkeys, tarsiers, and lemurs. These organisms have distinct characteristics hinting that they are naturally taking an omnivorous diet. For instance, they lack specialized storage and digestive sacs (e.g. crops and fermenting vats) common in animals that are exclusively feeding on plants. These structures aid in the digestion of plant tissues, which can be more difficult to digest than animal tissues. Dentition is also an indication of the type of diet. Many meat-eaters tend to have sharper, longer teeth for tearing out flesh compared with the teeth of omnivores.
Compare:

See also:

  • diet
  • Related term(s):


    You will also like...

    Peppered moth ("Biston betularia") melanic and light form
    Examples of Natural Selection

    Darwin's Finches are an example of natural selection in action. They are an excellent example of the way species' gene p..

    Digestion and Absorption of Food
    Digestion and Absorption of Food

    The gastrointestinal system breaks down particles of ingested food into molecular forms by enzymes through digestion and..

    human brain structure
    The Conscious & Unconscious Nervous System

    This tutorial elaborates on how the nervous system works, particularly at the tissue level of the brain. There are three..

    Human Neurology
    Human Neurology

    Human Neurology deals essentially with the nervous system of humans. It also features the various theories put forward b..

    Biological Cell Defense
    Biological Cell Defense

    Organisms employ different strategies to boost its defenses against antigens. Humans have an immune system to combat pat..

    Regulation of Biological Systems
    Regulation of Biological Systems

    Regulation of Biological Systems tutorials are focused on the modulation of biological systems from cell to population l..