Which type of species can consume a wide variety of food sources?

The correct answer is generalist. Generalist species are characterized by their ability to thrive in a variety of environmental conditions and to utilize a broad range of food sources. This flexibility allows them to adapt to changes in their habitat and shifts in food availability, making them often more resilient in fluctuating ecosystems.

For instance, a generalist consumer, such as a raccoon, can eat fruits, insects, small animals, and even human food scraps, enabling it to locate sustenance in various settings. This contrasts with specialist species, which have a narrow diet and are highly adapted to specific food sources, making them more vulnerable to changes in their environment if those sources become scarce.

Autotrophs, on the other hand, are organisms that produce their own food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis and do not consume other organisms for energy. Herbivores specifically consume plant materials, so their dietary range is limited to plant matter. The generalist's versatility in food consumption sets it apart as the answer for species that can take advantage of multiple food sources.