What substance is the Tasmanian devil's digestive system adapted to break down, contrasting with plant matter?
Answer
Protein and fat
The specialized digestive tract of the Tasmanian devil is highly tuned for processing animal products, reflecting its obligate carnivorous status. Its system is optimized for breaking down the major components of flesh: proteins and fats, which are high in caloric density and easily utilized by carnivores. Conversely, the text explicitly notes that their digestive system is not adapted for processing cellulose, the structural carbohydrate that forms the bulk of plant material like leaves and grasses, which omnivores or herbivores specialize in handling.
Related Questions
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