Question:

Which of the following animals are colon fermenters?
(A). Elephant
(B). Zebra
(C). Rabbit
(D). Horse
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Show Hint

Among monogastric herbivores:
Cecum fermenters: Rabbits, Guinea pigs.
Colon fermenters: Equids (Horses, Zebras), Elephants, Rhinoceroses.
  • (A), (B) and (D) only.
  • (C) and (D) only.
  • (A), (B), (C) and (D).
  • (D) only.
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Herbivorous mammals are classified based on where microbial fermentation of cellulose occurs:
- Foregut fermenters: Fermentation occurs in a specialized stomach (e.g., ruminants).
- Hindgut fermenters: Fermentation occurs in the large intestine.
Hindgut fermenters are further subdivided into cecum fermenters and colon fermenters.
Detailed Explanation:
Let us evaluate each animal:
- (A) Elephant: This is a hindgut fermenter.
The microbial fermentation of fiber takes place predominantly in its highly developed large colon. Thus, it is a colon fermenter.
- (B) Zebra: As an equid, the zebra relies on its highly sacculated large colon as the primary site of microbial fermentation. Thus, it is a colon fermenter.
- (C) Rabbit: Lagomorphs are hindgut fermenters, but their primary site of fermentation is the large, spiral-grooved cecum, which is distinct from the colon. They are cecum fermenters.
- (D) Horse: The horse is the classic representative of hindgut colon fermenters, utilizing its massive large colon for fiber digestion.
Therefore, elephants, zebras, and horses are colon fermenters.

Step 2: Final Answer:

The correct option is (A).
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