Which term describes an animal that eats both plants and animals?

Study for the Ohio Assessment for Educators (OAE) Integrated Science (024) Exam. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations to prep for your test. Ace your exam!

The term that describes an animal that eats both plants and animals is "omnivore." Omnivores have a versatile diet that includes a variety of food sources, allowing them to thrive in diverse environments. By consuming both plant matter and animal matter, omnivores can obtain a wide range of nutrients necessary for their growth and survival.

Carnivores, on the other hand, primarily consume other animals, which limits their diet. Herbivores strictly eat plant materials, making their nutritional intake solely dependent on vegetation. Detritivores feed on dead organic matter and decomposing material, playing a role in the breakdown of organic matter but not consuming live plants or animals. Therefore, the defining characteristic of an omnivore is its ability to utilize both plant and animal sources for food, distinguishing it from the other categories of consumers.

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