JCH-NACA Animal Control Officer Practice Test

Which group derives their nutritional requirements from plant sources?

1. Omnivores

2. Carnivores

3. Herbivores

4. Insectivores

The correct answer is: Herbivores

Herbivores are animals that exclusively or primarily consume plant materials to meet their nutritional needs. Their digestive systems are specifically adapted to process fibrous plant material, allowing them to extract the necessary nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals from leaves, stems, fruits, and other plant parts. In contrast, omnivores consume both plant and animal sources, thereby having a more varied diet that provides a wider range of nutrients. Carnivores primarily feed on other animals, relying on protein and fat from animal tissues for their nutrition. Insectivores specialize in eating insects as their main source of food, but this category does not imply an exclusive reliance on plant materials. Thus, the unique adaptation and reliance of herbivores on plants distinctly identify them as the group that derives its nutritional requirements solely from plant sources.