Which Animals Can Digest Cellulose?

Subject: Which Animals Can Digest Cellulose?

Date: Wed Apr 2 00:40:21 1997
Posted by: Holger Maertens
Grade level: grad
School/Organization: University of Leipzig
City: Leipzig State/Province: Saxony
Country: Germany
Area of science: Zoology
Message ID: 859963221.Zo

Message:

Which Animals Can Digest Cellulose?
Although cellulose is a rich carbohydrate, humans cannot digest it - 
it's mere roughage for us. Cows, on the other hand, can ferment it 
with the aid of bacteria living in their stomachs. So, why is it that
some animals "learned" to digest cellulose, while others didn't?
And isn't it a waste of energy for those that can't do it?

Re:Which Animals Can Digest Cellulose?

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