Why do herbivores have longer, small intestine than carnivores?
Why do herbivores have longer, small intestine than carnivores?
Herbivores eat grass, which is rich in cellulose. Cellulose is a complex carbohydrate that is difficult to digest and requires a longer time to break down. Therefore, herbivores have a longer small intestine to allow complete digestion of cellulose. In contrast, carnivores eat meat, which is much easier to digest, and thus they have a shorter small intestine.
Marking Scheme
- 11 Mark: Stating that herbivores eat grass/cellulose which is complex and difficult to digest, requiring a longer small intestine.
- 21 Mark: Stating that carnivores eat meat which is easier to digest, hence they have a shorter small intestine.
Hint
Consider the complexity of cellulose in plant-based food compared to the proteins and fats in meat.
Quick Oral Answer
Herbivores eat grass containing cellulose, which is difficult and slow to digest, requiring a longer small intestine. Carnivores eat meat, which is easily digested, so they have a shorter small intestine.
Analysis & Explanation
The length of the small intestine is adapted to the dietary habits of an organism. Cellulose, found in plant cell walls, is highly complex and requires specialized, prolonged enzymatic action to break down. A longer small intestine provides the necessary surface area and time for this digestion. Meat, being animal tissue, is structurally simpler to break down enzymatically, which is why carnivores like tigers do not require a long digestive tract.
Common Mistakes
- 1Confusing the functions of the small intestine with the large intestine.
- 2Stating that carnivores have a shorter intestine simply because they are larger or more active.
Interesting Facts
In some herbivores like cows, the small intestine can be up to 20 times their body length, whereas in carnivores like cats, it is only about 3 to 4 times their body length.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many marks does this question carry in CBSE Class 10 Science 2014?
This question carries 2 marks in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2014 examination.
Which chapter does this question come from in Science?
This question is from the chapter "Life Processes" in the CBSE Class 10 Science syllabus.
What topic does this question cover in Science?
This question covers the topic "Nutrition in Human Beings" from CBSE Class 10 Science.
What type of question is this in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2014 paper?
This is a Short Answer question from Section SECTION-A in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2014 paper.