What kind of organism typically consumes both plants and animals?

The correct answer is that an organism that typically consumes both plants and animals is classified as an omnivore. Omnivores have a diverse diet that includes both plant material, such as leaves, fruits, and seeds, and animal proteins, such as meat and fish. This adaptability in their diet allows omnivores to thrive in various environments and has made them one of the most versatile groups of consumers in many ecosystems.

In contrast, herbivores primarily eat plant material and are adapted to digesting plant cell walls and bodies, while carnivores primarily consume animal flesh and have adaptations suited for hunting and processing meat. Detritivores play a different role in the ecosystem by breaking down dead organic matter, but they do not consume live plants or animals in the same way that omnivores do. Thus, the classification of omnivores highlights their unique ability to utilize both sources of food effectively.