What does it mean for tigers to be classified as obligate carnivores regarding plant matter?
Answer
Their digestive systems cannot efficiently process plant matter.
The classification of a tiger as an obligate carnivore is a fundamental description of its digestive biology. This classification strictly means that the animal's entire physiological and enzymatic makeup is geared toward breaking down and deriving necessary nutrients almost exclusively from animal flesh. Plant matter, containing complex carbohydrates and cellulose, cannot be processed effectively by their short digestive tracts and specialized enzymes. Consequently, they require the dense concentration of animal protein, fat, and specific vitamins found almost solely in meat to survive and maintain health.
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