omnivoría

Omnivoría, or omnivory, is the dietary strategy of consuming both plant and animal matter. The term derives from Latin omnis, “all,” and vorare, “to eat.” In biology, omnivores are species that regularly include a broad range of food types in their diet, unlike strictly herbivores or carnivores.

Many animals are omnivores, including humans, bears, pigs, raccoons, and certain birds and insects. Omnivory is often advantageous in environments where food resources vary seasonally or unpredictably, because it allows flexible foraging and reduces the risk of food shortage. Generalist feeding strategies can influence food webs by linking plant and animal communities and by affecting the dynamics of prey populations and seed dispersal.

Anatomically and physiologically, omnivores typically have a mixed dentition (incisors, canines, and molars) suited to biting, tearing, and grinding both plant material and animal tissue. Digestive systems are adapted to process a variety of nutrients, with enzymatic pathways capable of handling proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and fiber. Nutritionally, omnivores can obtain essential amino acids and vitamins from multiple sources, though diet balance is important to avoid deficiencies or excesses associated with specific food groups.

In humans, omnivory is widespread and culturally diverse. Modern omnivorous diets vary greatly in quality and sustainability, influencing recommendations from health organizations that emphasize a balanced variety of minimally processed foods while considering ethical and environmental factors.

See also: omnivore, herbivore, carnivore.