Which dietary components demonstrate the generalist feeding of O. virginianus?
Answer
Browse, grasses, and forbs
The widespread success and adaptability of *Odocoileus virginianus* are strongly linked to its status as a generalist feeder, meaning it is not restricted to a single food source. This dietary flexibility allows the deer to consume a wide variety of plant matter depending on availability, which is critical for surviving seasonal fluctuations. Specifically, they consume browse, which includes twigs and buds from woody plants; they graze on grasses; and they eat forbs, which are defined as broad-leafed herbaceous plants. This ability to switch between browsing and grazing ensures resilience when specific food sources become temporarily inaccessible due to environmental changes or disturbances.
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