Which statement about the cecum in an herbivore such as a rabbit is true?
A) It reabsorbs water from the feces.
B) It is the region of the stomach that produces digestive enzymes.
C) It is a region where bacteria are removed from the large intestine.
D) It is a fermentation chamber that follows the stomach and small intestine.
E) It is the part of the rectum that compacts fecal matter.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The cecum in herbivores like rabbits is a fermentation chamber that follows the stomach and small intestine. In this chamber, bacteria break down cellulose and other plant fibers that the animal cannot digest themselves. This process allows herbivores to extract nutrients from their plant-based diet. The cecum also plays a role in water reabsorption, but this is not its primary function. Therefore, option A is incorrect. The statement in option B is incorrect as well - the stomach is a separate organ from the cecum and produces its own digestive enzymes. Option C is also incorrect as the cecum is actually a site of bacterial fermentation, not a place where bacteria are removed from the large intestine. Option E is incorrect as the rectum is located after the large intestine and is not part of the cecum.

Which Statement About the Cecum in an Herbivore Such as a Rabbit