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Omnivores (from Latin: omne all, everything; vorare to devour) are species that eat both plants and animals as their primary food source. They are opportunistic, general feeders not specifically adapted to eat and digest either meat or plant material exclusively.[1] Pigs are one well-known example of an omnivore.[2] Crows are another example of an omnivore that many people see every day.[3] Humans are also omnivores.[1][4]
Although there are reported cases of herbivores eating meat matter as well as examples of carnivores eating plants, the classification refers to the adaptations and main food source of the species in general so these exceptions do not make either individual animals nor the species as a whole omnivores.
Most bear species are considered omnivores, but individuals' diets can range from almost exclusively herbivorous to almost exclusively carnivorous depending on what food sources are available locally and seasonally. Polar bears can be classified as carnivores while pandas almost exclusively eat bamboo and are therefore herbivores, although Giant Pandas will eat some meat from time to time.
Species considered omnivorous
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This section is missing citations or needs footnotes. Using inline citations helps guard against copyright violations and factual inaccuracies. (December 2008) |
Various mammals are omnivorous by nature such as bears; coatis; hedgehogs; opossums; pigs; some primates including chimpanzees and humans; raccoons; some rodents including chipmunks[5], mice[6], rats[7], and squirrels[8]; skunks; sloths.
Various birds whose prey varies from berries and nectar to insects, worms, fish, small rodents, and snakes — cassowarys; chickens; corvids including crows, magpies, ravens, and rooks; keas; rallidae; rheas.
Some fish such as piranhas.
Some insects and other invertebrates are also omnivores.
References
- ^ a b Adapted from a talk by John McArdle, Ph.D.. "Humans are Omnivores". Vegetarian Resource Group. Retrieved on 2007-12-29.
- ^ Brent Huffman. "Family Suidae (Pigs)". UltimateUngulate.com. Retrieved on 2007-12-29.
- ^ Seattle Audubon Society. "Family Corvidae (Crows/Ravens)". BirdWeb.org. Retrieved on 2007-12-31.
- ^ [1]
- ^ "Eastern Chipmunk". Wonder Club. Retrieved on 2009-01-01.
- ^ "Florida Mouse". United States Fauna. Retrieved on 2009-01-01.
- ^ "Brown Rat". Science Daily. Retrieved on 2009-01-01.
- ^ "Tree Squirrels". The Humane Society of the United States. Retrieved on 2009-01-01.
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