[Campbell Biology P.961] Based on the provided text and Figure 41.16, which of the following... | Practice Question

Based on the provided text and Figure 41.16, which of the following statements accurately describes a difference between the digestive systems of a lion and a koala?

  • A: The koala's alimentary canal is significantly longer relative to its body size compared to the lion's, to facilitate digestion of fibrous plant material.
  • B: Lions possess a large cecum and a prominent colon to further digest meat, unlike koalas.
  • C: The lion's digestive system is primarily adapted for absorbing nutrients from eucalyptus leaves, while the koala's is for meat.
  • D: Both the lion and the koala rely heavily on symbiotic bacteria in their stomachs for primary digestion.

Explanation

The text explicitly states that 'herbivores and omnivores have longer alimentary canals relative to their body size than do carnivores. Plant matter is more difficult to digest than meat because it contains cell walls. A longer digestive tract furnishes more time for digestion and more surface area for nutrient absorption.' It also highlights that 'the koala has much longer intestines, relative to its size, enhancing the processing of fibrous, protein-poor eucalyptus leaves'. Figure 41.16 visually supports this with the more complex and extensive digestive tract of the herbivore koala compared to the carnivore lion .