Question

Determine the approximate length of the rat's small intestine, which ends at the caecum. why is the small intestine so long? what is the function of the caecum? what is the function(s) of the large intestine (colon)? after examining the digestive system of the rat, can you tell if it is an herbivore or carnivore? how do you know?

Answer 1

1)The approximate length of a adult rat’s small intestine can reach 80 centimeters long.

2)The small intestine is so large compared with other organs because it is where most digestion (macromolecules of food are broken down into nutrients) and absorption of nutrients occur.  With more area of surface in the organ the more digestion can occur.

3) Caecum is a part of the colon that contains a lot of bacteria that aid in digestion of plant material. In rats the cecum is larger than human's becausethey eat more seeds and grains. This lead us to believe that rats are more herbivores than carnivores.

4) function of colon: Colon extracts water and electrolytes from solid wastes before they are eliminated. It's also where  bacteria ferment unabsorbed material occurs and from that they can produce vitamins important for our body, such Vitamin K.

5) if the cecum is large it means the rat is herbivore  because they host a lot of bacteria, which aid in the enzymatic breakdown of cellulose; If the cecum is small the rat is carnivore, since their diets contain little or none of plant material and the cecum is often partially or wholly replaced by the appendix.

Answer 2

Review Question: What is the basic pathway of food through the digestive system?

Answer: Mouth → esophagus → stomach → small intestine → large intestine →

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