Q. 8 - Biology

Question

A scientist dissects a new species of animal. If the animal’s digestive system has a single stomach with an extended small intestine, to which animal could the dissected specimen be closely related? 

a. lion 

b. snowshoe hare 

c. earthworm 

d. eagle 

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Option b is the correct answer.

Step 1: Introduction

A hare's gastrointestinal tract is capable of processing a wide variety of indigestible plant matter. In contrast to certain herbivores, food is mostly processed in the hindgut (after passing through the stomach) (cows, deer, and moose for example).

Step 2: The explanation for the correct answer

Additionally, hares have gastrointestinal bacteria that are housed in a pouch from their small intestine called the cecum.

Step 3: The explanation for the incorrect answers

Other three animals such as lion, earthworm and eagle lack the such type of digestive structurings in their body. Thus, they are not viable options.