An Enlarged Cecum is Typical Of

Question

An enlarged cecum is typical of
A)rabbits, horses, and herbivorous bears.
B)carnivorous animals.
C)tubeworms that digest via symbionts.
D)humans and other primates.
E)tapeworms and other intestinal parasites.

Accepted Answer

An enlarged cecum is typical of animals that are herbivorous or have a diet that requires fermentation of plant material. Choice A includes rabbits, horses, and herbivorous bears that all have an enlarged cecum to aid in digestion of plant material. Choice B and E are incorrect as carnivorous animals and intestinal parasites do not typically rely on fermentation in their digestive process. Choice C is incorrect because tubeworms that digest via symbionts do not have ceca at all. Choice D is incorrect as humans and other primates have relatively small ceca due to their omnivorous diet.