Reflection Nutrition in Animals

Front

Define Nutrition in Animals

Back

Nutrition in animals is the process of obtaining, digesting, absorbing, and utilizing food substances to support energy needs, growth, repair, and maintenance of the body.

Front

What are the modes of animal nutrition based on diet?

Back

1. Herbivores: Eat only plant-based materials (e.g., Cows, goats). 2. Carnivores: Eat only other animals (e.g., Lions, hawks). 3. Omnivores: Eat both plants and animals (e.g., Humans, pigs). 4. Parasites: Feed on a host, harming it (e.g., Tapeworms, lice). 5. Saprophytes: Feed on dead and decaying matter (e.g., Fungi, some beetles).

Front

What are the stages of holozoic nutrition?

Back

1. Ingestion – Intake of food through the mouth. 2. Digestion – Mechanical and chemical breakdown of food into soluble molecules. 3. Absorption – Uptake of digested nutrients into blood or lymph. 4. Assimilation – Use of absorbed nutrients for energy, growth, and repair. 5. Egestion – Elimination of undigested and unabsorbed food through the anus as feces.

Front

What are the essential nutrients for animals and their functions?

Back

1. Carbohydrates: Provide quick energy (e.g., glucose). 2. Proteins: Tissue repair, growth, enzyme and hormone production. 3. Fats: Long-term energy, insulation, vitamin absorption. 4. Vitamins: Support body processes (e.g., Vitamin C for immunity). 5. Minerals: Bone strength (calcium), blood function (iron). 6. Water: Medium for reactions, transport, temperature control.

Front

Describe the diversity in digestive systems of animals.

Back

1. Ruminants (e.g., cows): Complex four-chambered stomach for digesting cellulose; rumen helps fermentation. 2. Carnivores (e.g., lions): Short gut, adapted to protein digestion with strong stomach acid. 3. Omnivores (e.g., humans): Moderate gut length for both plant and animal digestion. 4. Birds: Have a crop (food storage) and gizzard (grinds food with pebbles). 5. Insects: Digestive tract includes a crop, gizzard, midgut, and hindgut with specialized regions.

Front

What is the description of the digestive system?

Back

A tube-like system (alimentary canal) from mouth to anus, including accessory organs like the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder that help produce digestive juices. Purpose: break down food, absorb nutrients, eliminate waste.

Front

What are the major components and functions of the digestive system?

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1. Mouth: Chews food; salivary amylase starts starch digestion. 2. Esophagus: Moves food to stomach via peristalsis. 3. Stomach: Secretes acid and enzymes (e.g., pepsin) to digest proteins. 4. Small Intestine: Final digestion and absorption of nutrients. 5. Liver: Produces bile for fat digestion. 6. Gallbladder: Stores bile. 7. Pancreas: Produces enzymes (amylase, lipase, trypsin) and bicarbonate. 8. Large Intestine: Absorbs water, forms feces. 9. Rectum/Anus: Stores and expels feces (egestion).

Front

How are nutrients absorbed in the digestive system?

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Absorption happens in the small intestine, especially in the ileum. Villi and microvilli increase surface area. Glucose and amino acids enter blood capillaries. Fatty acids and glycerol enter lacteals (lymphatic vessels). Nutrients are transported to cells via the blood for use in metabolism and growth.

Front

What regulates the digestive system?

Back

The nervous system controls processes like salivation, swallowing, and gastric emptying. Hormones include: 1. Gastrin – stimulates acid secretion in the stomach. 2. Secretin – stimulates bicarbonate release from pancreas. 3. Cholecystokinin (CCK) – triggers bile release from gallbladder. Feedback mechanisms ensure proper timing and control of digestion.

Front

What is the difference between macronutrients and micronutrients?

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Macronutrients are required in large amounts and provide energy and build body tissues (e.g., Carbohydrates, proteins, fats, water). Micronutrients are required in small amounts and support enzyme function, immunity, and metabolism (e.g., Vitamins A, C, D; Minerals like iron, calcium). Energy yield: Yes (except water) for macronutrients, No for micronutrients.