Definition & Meaning of "omnivore"

What is an "omnivore"?

An omnivore is an animal that consumes both plants and animals as part of its diet. This is in contrast to herbivores, which primarily consume plants, and carnivores, which primarily consume meat. Omnivores have a more varied diet than either of these two types of animals, as they are able to derive nutrients from both plant and animal sources. Some examples of omnivores include humans, bears, pigs, raccoons, and many species of birds and fish. Being an omnivore can confer certain advantages in terms of survival and adaptability, as it allows animals to take advantage of a wider range of food sources and environments. However, it can also present challenges, as the digestive systems of omnivores must be able to process both plant and animal matter, which can be quite different in terms of nutrient composition and other characteristics.