Which of the following best defines cannibalism?

Which of the following best defines cannibalism?

• A. An animal that migrates long distances.
• B. An animal that eats plants.
• C. An animal that eats individuals of its own species.
• D. An animal that stores fat.

Answer: (C)

Cannibalism is when an animal eats individuals of its own species. The option describing an animal that eats members of its own species matches that definition exactly, so it’s the best choice. Migration describes movement, not what is eaten. Eating plants is herbivory, not cannibalism. Storing fat relates to energy reserves, not interactions with other individuals. Cannibalism can occur in some species, but the key point is consuming conspecifics.

Cannibalism is when an animal eats individuals of its own species. The option describing an animal that eats members of its own species matches that definition exactly, so it’s the best choice. Migration describes movement, not what is eaten. Eating plants is herbivory, not cannibalism. Storing fat relates to energy reserves, not interactions with other individuals. Cannibalism can occur in some species, but the key point is consuming conspecifics.