OmnivoresAn omnivore is a species that regularly eats both plants and meat. Omnivores lack the specialist behaviour of carnivores and herbivores, and they often search widely for food sources. They are thus better able to withstand changes within their ecological niche. The digestive systems of omnivores reflect their versatility: they are able to digest the components of plants in the manner of herbivores but also readily assimilate nutrients from meat. Bears are a good example of an omnivore; they eat plants but they also enjoy eating fish and other meats. |