Specializations of the digestive tract of most herbivores reflect the difficulty of digesting foods rich in
A)plant protein.
B)carotene.
C)bacteria.
D)cellulose.
E)phytolipids.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The digestive tract specializations of herbivores such as ruminants and hindgut fermenters reflect the difficulty of digesting the complex carbohydrate cellulose, which is abundant in plant cell walls but cannot be broken down by mammalian enzymes alone. These adaptations include enlarged fermentation chambers (such as the rumen or cecum), symbiotic relationships with cellulose-digesting bacteria and protozoa, and specialized teeth for grinding and chewing plant material.

Specializations of the Digestive Tract of Most Herbivores Reflect the Difficulty