Despite being obligate carnivores, what unexpected items might a starving Tasmanian devil opportunistically ingest?
Answer
Insects or, rarely, fallen fruit
Tasmanian devils are classified as obligate carnivores whose biological requirement centers on animal flesh and bone. However, the text notes that survival instincts can lead to behavioral flexibility under extreme duress. If resources become extremely scarce, such as during a prolonged drought when carrion is unavailable, a starving devil might opportunistically consume small items like insects or, occasionally, fruit that has fallen from trees. These instances are exceptions driven by starvation, not regular dietary staples, as their digestive systems are not adapted for plant material like cellulose.

Related Questions
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