Question

Species around the world eat feces to diversify their gut
True
False

Answer 1

Answer: False

Explanation: While it is true that some species engage in coprophagy, which is the consumption of feces, it is not done for the purpose of diversifying their gut. Coprophagy is observed in certain animals like rabbits and rodents, who consume their own feces as a way to extract more nutrients from their food. It is a natural behavior that aids in digestion. However, it is not a mechanism for diversifying their gut. The gut microbiome, which consists of various bacteria and microorganisms, is primarily established through factors like diet and environment, not through the consumption of feces.

Answer 2

Some species do indeed eat feces to diversify their gut flora. This practice, known as coprophagy, helps certain animals acquire necessary gut bacteria for proper digestion and nutrient absorption.

Step-by-step explanation:

True or False: Species around the world eat feces to diversify their gut microbiota?

The statement can be considered true for certain species. In the wild, some species engage in coprophagy, the act of eating feces, in order to obtain necessary nutrients, reintroduce gut flora, or make the most of a scarce food resource.

For instance, young elephants, pandas, koalas, and hippos consume the feces of their mother to obtain the necessary gut bacteria required to properly digest vegetation.

Additionally, some dung beetles feed on feces and play a crucial role in nutrient cycling, helping to break down and recycle waste.

The biodiversity and functionality of gut microbiota are of great importance, as evident in the human gut, where a diverse intestinal microbial flora plays a significant role in health and disease (Eckburg, P. B., Bik, E. M., Bernstein, C. N., et al. 2005).