Some birds have structures that act as a modified rumen because they contain bacteria
that that detoxifies harmful alkaloids.

Question

Some birds have structures that act as a modified rumen because they contain bacteria
 that that detoxifies harmful alkaloids.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Some bird species, particularly those that consume a diet rich in seeds or other plant materials containing harmful alkaloids, have evolved a section of their foregut that hosts symbiotic bacteria. These bacteria can detoxify alkaloids, allowing the birds to safely digest these substances. This adaptation is somewhat analogous to the rumen in ruminant mammals, where a specialized stomach compartment harbors microbes that aid in breaking down cellulose.

Some Birds Have Structures That Act as a Modified Rumen