[Campbell Biology P.960] Which statement accurately describes the cecum and its function as ... | Practice Question
Which statement accurately describes the cecum and its function as detailed in the text?
A: In animals consuming large amounts of plant material, the cecum is large and plays an important role in fermenting ingested material, while in humans, it is small and has an appendix.
B: The cecum is primarily responsible for the reabsorption of water from undigested food in all vertebrates.
C: In humans, the appendix is a vestigial organ with no known function.
D: Carnivores typically have a large, functional cecum to aid in the digestion of meat.
Explanation
The text explicitly states that in animals eating large amounts of plant material, the cecum is large and involved in fermentation, while in humans, it is small and features an appendix. Options B, C, and D contain inaccuracies according to the provided text.