Question

Why is the length of the small intestine of herbivores longer than that o f the carnivores

Answer 1

Cellulose forms the largest part of the herbivore’s food. Digestion of cellulose takes a longer time, because the enzymes are produced by the ruminant bacteria that live in the gut of the herbivore. Longer small intestine ensures that the food stays for a longer duration and proper digestion is possible. In the case of carnivores, cellulose is not present in the diet, thus the length of small intestine is less.

Answer 2

Cellulose forms the largest part of the herbivore’s food. Digestion of cellulose takes a longer time, because the enzymes are produced by the ruminant bacteria that live in the gut of the herbivore. Longer small intestine ensures that the food stays for a longer duration and proper digestion is possible. In the case of carnivores, cellulose is not present in the diet, thus the length of small intestine is less.


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