Animal Digestive Systems and Their Functions

Which of the following best describes the function of the rumen in the digestive system of ruminant animals?

• It stores food temporarily before digestion.

• It is the primary site for microbial fermentation and digestion.

• It secretes enzymes for protein digestion.

• It absorbs nutrients directly into the bloodstream.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-7

How do sponges, as filter feeders, obtain their nutrients from the environment?

• By actively hunting small prey.

• By absorbing nutrients through their skin.

• By filtering small particles from water that flows through their bodies.

• By photosynthesis using sunlight.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

What is a key difference between the avian digestive tract and the mammalian digestive tract?

• Birds have a longer digestive tract than mammals.

• Birds have a crop and gizzard, which are not found in mammals.

• Birds digest food more slowly than mammals.

• Birds have a four-chambered stomach like ruminants.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

In the context of microbial digestion in the rumen, what role do microbes play?

• They produce bile to aid in fat digestion.

• They break down cellulose into simpler compounds that the host animal can absorb.

• They store excess nutrients for later use.

• They transport nutrients to the bloodstream.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Which part of the avian digestive system is primarily responsible for grinding food?

• Crop

• Proventriculus

• Gizzard

• Cloaca

What is the primary function of the crop in birds?

• To grind food into smaller pieces.

• To store and soften food before it enters the stomach.

• To secrete digestive enzymes.

• To absorb nutrients into the bloodstream.

How does the structure of a sponge's body facilitate its role as a filter feeder?

• It has a complex nervous system to detect food.

• It has specialized cells called choanocytes that create water currents and trap food particles.

• It has a muscular system to capture prey.

• It has a digestive cavity similar to that of higher animals.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-2

What is the main advantage of microbial digestion in the rumen for ruminant animals?

• It allows them to digest fats more efficiently.

• It enables them to break down cellulose and extract energy from plant materials.

• It helps them to store more water in their bodies.

• It increases their ability to digest proteins.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

In what way is the avian digestive system adapted to the high energy demands of flight?

• It has a very slow digestion process to conserve energy.

• It includes a crop for storing large amounts of food.

• It has a rapid digestion process to quickly convert food into energy.

• It relies on external digestion before ingestion.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS4-4

Why do cows have a rumen?
(a)  

• To use bacteria that digest cellulose
• To break apart protein
• To move waste through the body
• To store blood in the circulatory system