Which statement is true regarding the diet of cockroaches?

Cockroaches are classified as omnivorous, which means they have a diverse diet that includes both plant and animal matter. This dietary flexibility allows them to survive in a variety of environments, as they can consume a wide range of food sources, including decaying organic matter, starches, sugars, and proteins. Their ability to eat such a varied diet contributes to their resilience and adaptability, making them successful pests in urban settings. This omnivorous nature is crucial to understanding their biology and behavior, especially when it comes to pest control strategies, as it is important to know what attracts them to particular environments.

In contrast, some options suggest more limiting dietary classifications. For example, stating cockroaches are herbivorous would ignore their tendency to feed on a variety of organic materials, while the notion that they only eat sweet substances does not account for the full range of food items they consume. Additionally, indicating that they prefer protein sources only is misleading; while they do enjoy proteins, this does not represent the entirety of their omnivorous diet. Understanding that cockroaches are omnivorous highlights their adaptability and the challenges faced in controlling their populations effectively.