Question

Consider the following characteristics of a herbivore digestive systems and habits.

1. Cows have 4 chambered stomachs and chew cud.

2. Rabbits eat their droppings called cecotropes.

3. Pandas have short digestive system and a small number of bacteria in the gut.

4. Elephants have a large cecum (the part connecting the two intestines) containing fermenting bacteria.

Which of the above characteristics helps food to remain longer in the digestive tract?

• A. 1, 2, 4
• B. 1, 2, 3, 4
• C. 1, 3, 4
• D. None of the Above

Answer 1

The correct option is A

1, 2, 4

Since herbivorous animals like cows, deer and rabbits eat plants as food, the cellulose present in it takes a long time get digested. Many animals have special bacteria in their gut which secrete enzymes that can digest cellulose. All the characteristics like four-chambered stomach and large caecum are adaptations for a vegetarian diet. It increases the length of the digestive tract and provides more time for digestion and absorption.