Question

Relate variations in length of the digestive tract to the diets of herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores.

Answer 1

Herbivores:

Don't need sharp teeth

Scissor like incisors to cut up plant matter

Big flat molars and premolars to grind down plant material

Because cells walls are difficult to digest, herbivore intestines are long to allow more time for nutrient absorption

Carnivores:

Long pointy canine for biting and killing prey

Sharp pre-molars to cut/rip flesh

Molars to grind food

Carnivore intestines are relatively short because proteins are easy to digest

Omnivores:

Incisors for cutting vegetable material

Some sharp teeth as well

Omnivore intestines are relatively shorter than herbivores and longer than carnivores. These are capable of digesting meat based proteins and fats, and long enough to cater for vegetable matter.