Onivoria

Onivoria is a dietary pattern that includes the consumption of both plants and animals. This is the most common and widespread dietary pattern among humans, as well as many other animal species. Organisms that practice onivoria are known as omnivores.

The human diet is characterized by its diversity, with onivorous practices varying significantly across cultures and geographical locations. This variation is influenced by factors such as food availability, environmental conditions, religious or cultural beliefs, and personal preferences. Traditional diets in many parts of the world are inherently onivorous, incorporating a wide range of plant-based foods such as grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes, alongside animal products like meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy.

From a biological perspective, the digestive system of omnivores is adapted to process a variety of food types. They possess characteristics of both herbivores, with adaptations for digesting plant matter, and carnivores, with features suited for consuming animal flesh. This adaptability allows omnivores to thrive in diverse environments and exploit a broad spectrum of food resources. The evolutionary success of onivoria in humans is often attributed to this dietary flexibility, which enabled early humans to adapt to changing climates and exploit new ecological niches.

While onivoria is biologically natural for humans, individual dietary choices can range from predominantly plant-based to predominantly animal-based, with many variations in between. These choices are often informed by ethical considerations, health goals, or environmental concerns.