In the following question, select the odd word/letters/number/number pair from the given alternatives: Dog, Cat, Goat and Lion. Three of these animals are primarily carnivores that feed mainly on meat, while one is a herbivore that feeds mainly on plants. Based on this dietary classification, which animal is the odd one out?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Goat

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This is an odd one out question based on basic biology and animal classification. You are given four animals: Dog, Cat, Goat and Lion. While all are common animals, they differ in their typical diets. Three of them are primarily carnivorous, feeding largely on meat, while one is herbivorous, feeding mainly on plants. Your task is to identify which animal differs in terms of diet.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Animals listed: Dog, Cat, Goat, Lion.
  • We consider their natural or typical diet in the wild or in general.
  • Dogs, Cats and Lions are primarily meat eaters (carnivores or omnivores with strong carnivorous tendencies).
  • Goats predominantly eat plants, making them herbivores.


Concept / Approach:
The main concept is dietary classification:

  • Carnivores: animals that mainly eat meat (for example, lions and wild cats).
  • Herbivores: animals that mainly eat plants (for example, goats, cows and deer).
By grouping the animals according to these categories, we can clearly see which animal does not fit with the others.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Consider Dog. Dogs, especially in the wild, have a strong preference for meat and are often classified as carnivores or omnivores with a strong carnivorous tendency. Step 2: Consider Cat. Domestic and wild cats (such as tigers and leopards) are classic carnivores that hunt and eat other animals. Step 3: Consider Lion. Lions are big cats and apex predators that are strictly carnivorous in the wild, relying almost entirely on meat. Step 4: Notice the common pattern: Dog, Cat and Lion all have diets based largely on animal flesh, placing them in or close to the carnivore group. Step 5: Consider Goat. Goats feed mainly on grass, leaves, shrubs and other plant materials, making them herbivorous animals. Step 6: Since Goat does not share the carnivorous nature of the other three animals, Goat is the odd one out.


Verification / Alternative check:
Another way to confirm is by placing them into diet-based groups: Carnivorous or strongly meat-based diet: Dog, Cat, Lion. Herbivorous diet: Goat. Because only Goat belongs to the herbivore category, it clearly stands apart from the others.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Dog is not odd because it is mainly a meat eater and fits with Cat and Lion. Cat is not odd because it is a carnivore and shares a similar diet pattern with Dog and Lion. Lion is not odd because it is a pure carnivore and strongly matches the dietary profile of the other meat-eating animals. Goat is the only herbivore in the list, making it fundamentally different in terms of diet.


Common Pitfalls:
Some students may get distracted by other classifications such as wild versus domestic animals. Although Lion is wild and Dog, Cat and Goat can be domesticated, the more consistent and intended classification here is based on diet. Focusing on the most prominent and widely tested characteristic, such as carnivore versus herbivore, leads to the correct answer.


Final Answer:
The herbivorous animal that differs from the meat-eating others and is therefore the odd one out is Goat.

Discussion & Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
Join Discussion