FFA Veterinary Science CDE Practice Test

Horses, dogs, cats, swine, and humans are classified as what type of animal based on their digestive system?

1. Monogastric

2. Abomasums

3. Ruminant

4. Reticulums

The correct answer is: Monogastric

The correct choice is monogastric. Monogastric animals have a single-chambered stomach, which means their digestive system is structured to process food differently than those of ruminants, such as cows and sheep, which have multi-chambered stomachs to digest fibrous plant materials through fermentation. In monogastric animals like horses, dogs, cats, swine, and humans, food is broken down in the stomach and small intestine without the extensive fermentation process found in ruminants. These animals generally have a more simple digestive process that suits their omnivorous or carnivorous diets, allowing them to efficiently digest a variety of food sources. The other options pertain to different digestive systems or are not recognized classifications for digestive systems. Ruminants possess a more complex digestive arrangement with multiple stomach compartments, while terms like abomasums and reticulums refer specifically to parts of the ruminant digestive system rather than describing the classification of animals based on their overall digestive type. This understanding emphasizes the unique adaptations of different animal groups to their dietary needs and how these systems relate to their nutritional habits.