How many stomachs does a giraffe have? Pick the correct option from the list below:
(a) Two
(b) Four
(c) Six
(d) None of the above
The correct answer to this question is option (d) None of the above
There is a common misconception among people that giraffes have four stomachs, but giraffes have only one stomach with four compartments. This is why giraffes are considered as ruminants. Other examples of ruminants are cow, sheep, goat, deer, etc. A ruminant stomach contains microbial flora which helps them digest the cellulose present in plant-based diets.
The four chambers of a ruminant stomach are the rumen, the reticulum, the omasum and the abomasum. The rumen is a storage compartment that stores food to further break it down when giraffes are not eating. This food (known as cud) is then again moved up to the mouth to chew it.
The rumen helps in absorbing vital nutrients through papillae of the rumen wall. This is followed by fermentation of the food which is done with the help of bacteria inside the rumen. These rumen bacteria and microbes play a vital role in further breaking down the food into protein.
Related Links:
- Digestion In Ruminants – Structure, Function and Its Process
- Difference between Pseudo Ruminant and Ruminant Systems
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