Question

Which one of the following is an omnivore?
A. Goat
B. Monkey
C. Dog
D. Wolf

Answer 1

Hint: Omnivore is an animal that eats both plant and animal matters. They form an indispensable part of the ecosystem. Omnivorous animals have evolved to develop digestive systems that can digest both plant and animal matters.

Complete step by step answer: The word Omnivore is derived from two words – omni meaning ‘all’ and vorus meaning ‘to eat’. The omnivorous animals, therefore, typically eat and digest both plant and animal matter.
-Option (a) is incorrect. Goats are herbivores. They thrive on plant matter. They are the members of the Bovidae family. Goats are ruminants and possess a specialized stomach that can ferment plant matter through microbial actions. The process of rumination involves regurgitation of fermented food from the front part of the stomach to be chewed again. Other members of the ruminant family include cows, deer, gazelles, antelopes, etc.
-Option (b) is correct. Monkeys are omnivores. The primary component of their diet is fruits, nuts, seed, flowers, insects, bird eggs, etc.
-Option (c) is incorrect. Dogs belong to the family Canidae. Dogs are widely found all over the world. They are the most commonly found terrestrial carnivores. Modern dogs are genetically related to wolves. Dogs, at present, are considered to be omnivores. However, that is not true. Certain physiological aspects of the dogs point to the fact the dogs are carnivores. For example, unlike other omnivores, dogs cannot produce Vitamin D in their bodies. Vitamin D has to be obtained from the flesh of other animals. The nitrogen balance in dogs can be maintained by arginine which points towards the carnivorous nature of dogs.
-Option (d) is incorrect. Wolves are the closest relative of the dogs. They are carnivorous in nature and thrive on the flesh of other animals. Wolves are native to Eurasia and America. They are the largest member of the genus Canis.

Note: Based on the mode of nutrition, animals can be classified into herbivores or plant eating animals, carnivores or flesh-eating animals and omnivores – animals that eat both plant and flesh of other animals. These three groups have adapted to their food choices with development of certain features of digestive system and dentition. All three animal groups form an integral part of the food chain and the ecosystem as a whole.