[Campbell Biology P.953] According to the provided text, what is the primary evolutionary ad... | Practice Question

According to the provided text, what is the primary evolutionary adaptation that allows animals to avoid digesting their own cells and tissues?

  • A: The process of absorption of nutrients.
  • B: The breakdown of food solely through mechanical digestion.
  • C: The processing of food within specialized intracellular or extracellular compartments.
  • D: The rapid elimination of undigested materials.

Explanation

The text explicitly states: "The evolutionary adaptation that allows animals to avoid self-digestion is the processing of food within specialized intracellular or extracellular compartments." This directly supports option C. Other options describe different aspects of digestion but not the primary adaptation for avoiding self-digestion as stated in the text.