Question

X is a wild animal which eats only the flesh of other animals whereas Y is a domestic animal which feeds mainly on green grass.

1. What are animals like X known as?
2. What are animals Y known as?
3. Which animal, X or Y, has a longer small intestine? Why?
4. Name one animal which is like X.
5. Name one animal which is like Y.

Answer 1

(a) Animals like X are known as carnivores.

(b) Animals like Y are known as herbivores.

(c) Animal Y (a herbivore) eats grass, which contains complex cellulose. Cellulose is tough and difficult to digest, requiring a longer tract and specialized bacteria to break it down. Animal X (a carnivore) eats meat, which is much easier to digest, meaning a shorter small intestine is sufficient.

(d) Lion is a carnivore.

(e) Cow is a herbivore.