Microbial symbionts are especially important for nutritional support in which of the following?

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Herbivores and omnivores rely heavily on microbial symbionts to break down plant material and extract nutrients. Carnivores have a shorter digestive tract and are able to extract more nutrients from their food, so they are less reliant on microbial symbionts. Animals with large stomachs and short intestines (such as ruminants) also rely on microbial symbionts for digestion. Animals without an esophagus (such as sponges) do not have a digestive system and therefore do not rely on microbial symbionts for nutrition.

Microbial Symbionts Are Especially Important for Nutritional Support in Which