Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

Which animals have multi-compartmentalized stomachs that can digest some fiber?

1. Carnivores

2. Ruminants

3. Monogastrics

4. Herbivores

The correct answer is: Ruminants

Ruminants are uniquely adapted to process fibrous plant material thanks to their multi-compartmentalized stomach structure. This group includes animals such as cows, sheep, and goats, which possess a specialized digestive system divided into four compartments: the rumen, reticulum, omasum, and abomasum. This complex system allows them to break down cellulose and other tough plant fibers through a process known as rumination, or chewing cud, enabling them to efficiently extract nutrients from their herbaceous diets. The presence of these multiple stomach compartments is crucial for the fermentation of fibrous food, which is facilitated by a diverse microbiota within the rumen. These microorganisms help to metabolize the fiber, releasing essential fatty acids and other nutrients that the animal can utilize. This capability is a distinct advantage for ruminants, allowing them to thrive on a diet primarily composed of plants that are generally low in digestible nutrients. In contrast, other types of animals, such as carnivores, monogastrics, and herbivores, do not have the same specialized stomach structure or digestive mechanisms to the extent seen in ruminants. Carnivores primarily consume protein-rich diets that do not require fermentation of fibrous materials, monogastrics