Question

(i)  Why are canines absent or reduced in herbivorous mammals? (ii)  Which food stuff yields the maximum amount of energy on complete combustion and how much?(iii)   Cellulose is not digested in humans whereas cows can digest it. Give reason.(iv) Fill in the Blank;  Dietary fibres are composed of -(v)  Why are vitamins important for animals even when they do not produce energy?

Answer 1

(i) Herbivores are those groups of animals which only eat plant products like leaves, grass, fruits, bark, nuts, etc. Since these substances contains cellulose and which is a very complex substance. They need special types of teeth which are flat like molars which helps the animal to grind the food completely so that it is easy to digest. Canines are the type of pointed teeth which are involved for the tearing and cutting of meat which clearly signifies that they are mainly present in Carnivorous animals (mammals) like tigers, lions, etc.

(iii) Cellulose is a complex substance present in fodder and in plants like leaves and grasses. Grass and fodder are the main component the diet of many cattle like cows, buffaloes, goats, and many other herbivores. Now, since cellulose is a complex compound, it is difficult to digest. That's why the alimentary canal along with the intestines of herbivores are longer than carnivores and omnivores so that more absorption takes place. Whereas in Human Beings, cellulose cannot be digested by them because human diet consists of both plants and meat of other animals which means they are omnivores.

(iv) Dietary fibres are composed of Roughage.

(v) Vitamins play a vital role in the healthy well-being of the body. They protect the body from being prone to diseases. Vitamins also play an important role in the proteins that are part of many chemical reactions in the body. They maintain our teeth, gums, mucus, tissues and cells.