Feeding

Question 1

What are the key characteristics of a carnivore’s dentition and skull morphology?

Answer 1

Sharp incisors and canines, carnassial shearing teeth adapted for tearing apart flesh, sagittal crest (ridge of bone where jaw muscles attach at top of skull)

Question 2

What is myrmecophagy?

Answer 2

Insectivory characterised by eating termites and ants

Question 3

What is the main benefit of herbivory?

Answer 3

Food doesn’t need to be chased or caught

Question 4

What are the main costs of herbivory?

Answer 4

Food is low in energy so must take in large volumes, must be able to digest cellulose

Question 5

What are the two types of fermentation?

Answer 5

Foregut - complex, multi-cambered stomachs, seen in ruminants
Hindgut - focus on bulk consumption, elephants