Chapter 11: Problem 11

How does the caecum of rabbits differ from that of cats?

Short Answer

Expert verified

The caecum in rabbits is well-developed and large, assisting in the digestion of the fibrous plant materials constituting their diet. In contrast, the caecum in cats is rudimentary and non-functional, as their carnivorous diet doesn't require significant digestion of plant materials.

Step by step solution

Identify the function and location of the caecum

The caecum is a part of the digestive tract located at the junction of the small and large intestines. Its primary function is to aid in the digestion of fibrous foods by hosting a significant amount of gut flora, the bacteria that help break down these substances.

Discuss the caecum in rabbits

Rabbits are herbivores, meaning their diet consists mainly of fibrous material like grass and hay. Their caecum is well-developed and larger as compared to their overall body size, helping to ferment these plant materials. It contains a rich community of bacteria and other microorganisms that help break down the cellulose in plants and extract nutrients that the rabbit can't digest on its own.

Discuss the caecum in cats

In comparison, cats are carnivorous, their diet primarily consists of meat, and they have a simpler digestive tract. The caecum in cats is rudimentary and non-functional, i.e., it doesn't participate actively in digestion as in herbivores. Due to their meat-based diet, there is not much need for a well developed caecum to digest plant material.

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How does the caecum of rabbits differ from that of cats?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Identify the function and location of the caecum

Discuss the caecum in rabbits

Discuss the caecum in cats

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