Which term describes an organism with a highly restricted diet?

An organism with a highly restricted diet is referred to as a specialist organism. Specialists have specific dietary requirements and are adapted to thrive on particular types of food sources. This specialization allows them to exploit certain ecological niches effectively. For example, a specialist may rely on specific plants or insects for food, making it highly efficient in utilizing those resources but also vulnerable to changes in their habitat or food availability.

The concept of specialization highlights the interdependence between an organism and its environment. Specialists may have unique adaptations that enable them to extract maximum nutritional value from their limited food sources, which often results in a close relationship with specific plants or prey. In contrast, generalist organisms can consume a wider variety of foods and adapt to different conditions, allowing them a greater degree of flexibility in their habitat preferences.