[Campbell Biology P.961] The text states that herbivores and omnivores generally have longer... | Practice Question

The text states that herbivores and omnivores generally have longer alimentary canals relative to their body size compared to carnivores. What is the primary reason for this adaptation?

  • A: To allow more time for the digestion of plant matter, which is more difficult to break down due to cell walls, and to increase surface area for nutrient absorption.
  • B: To accommodate the large volume of meat consumed in a single meal.
  • C: To provide a larger habitat for acid-tolerant bacteria like Helicobacter pylori.
  • D: To ensure the rapid expulsion of undigested fibrous material from the body.

Explanation

The text states: '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.' This directly explains why herbivores and omnivores have longer alimentary canals.