omnivorösa

Omnivorösa is a Swedish term describing organisms that eat both plant and animal matter. In biology, omnivory denotes a feeding strategy rather than a taxonomic group, and the form omnivorösa is used to describe multiple species with this behaviour.

Omnivorösa organisms typically have flexible foraging habits and broad ecological niches. They exploit diverse food sources, which can buffer them against seasonal changes and resource scarcity. This dietary generalism is often supported by dentition and digestive systems that can process both fibrous plant material and animal protein, though some individuals may prefer certain foods when available.

Examples include humans (Homo sapiens), brown bears (Ursus arctos), domestic pigs (Sus scrofa), raccoons (Procyon lotor), and many birds such as crows (Corvus spp.). Various small mammals like certain rats and mice, and some omnivorous fish and reptiles also fall into this category.

Ecologically, omnivory links trophic levels and supports energy flow in ecosystems. It can enhance resilience to resource fluctuations but may increase competition with specialists and affect predator–prey dynamics.

In humans, omnivorous diets are common and culturally variable, with nutritional considerations including balance of macronutrients and micronutrients.

See also omnivory; generalist feeder; diet breadth; food web.