please tell me how a elephant digests its food?

Question

i want the whole digestive system and please keep the information that a seventh grader can undrestand. please help me i want the best answer before 26 -03-07.please help.

Answer 1

The digestive system of the elephant is not something special in structure. In fact, it is very similar that of any ordinary mammal, except in size and in the areas of the stomach and the intestines. The other key components of the digestive system, such as the liver and the pancreas, are of the ordinary mammalian type and are only distinguished by their large size. It is by taking a look at the elephant's digestive system that we can appreciate how vital they are as a super-keystone species.

The digestive process begins with the entrance of food in the mouth. Quite interesting to observe is the size of the elephant's mouth. They have a relatively small mouth for the size of their body, which consequently cannot be opened widely. To aid in the initial digestive process, there are well-developed salivary glands in the mouth, along with the mucous glands present in the short esophagus. Together they help to lubricate the coarse vegetation of the elephant's diet.

The simplicity of the elephant's digestive system is illustrated in part by the stomach. The stomach is a simple sac that is oriented almost vertically. It is of an unusual cylindrical shape, with the middle region being partly glandular. Unbelievably, not much digestion takes place in the stomach, but it acts in the capacity of storage.

The intestines of the elephant further distinguish them from other animals. The intestines of an African bull elephant can achieve an incredible length of up to 19 metres.

The diet of the elephant is primarily made up of vegetation. As a result of this diet, the elephant's digestive system requires the function of fermentative digestion of cellulose through the action of bacteria. This takes place at the junction of the small and large intestines where there is a huge sacculated (divided into many smaller divisions) caecum. The products of digestion are absorbed through the relatively thin and vascularized (containing many vessels/ducts) walls of the caecum.

With the remaining products of digestion passing through, the intestine is now largely concerned with the consolidation of the feces and the absorption of water. The fecal matter takes on the form of boluses, each the shape of a short cylinder whose dimensions reflect those of the rectum. Scientists sometimes use the feces to judge the size of the elephant producing them, since the feces usually retain their shape after falling to the ground. Another useful topographical reference point when measuring the size of elephants can be obtained by observing the anal flap (the distinctive fold of skin covering the anus)

The fecal matter of the elephant is vital to the position of the elephant as a super-keystone species. Although they may consume much vegetation, not much of it is broken down in the process of digestion. As a result seeds and other vegetation pass though in a relatively untouched state, to the benefit of dung beetles and birds who feed off this nutrient-laden fecal matter.

Answer 2

1) Native artifacts cannot be sold by non natives. 2) In the culture, if you have a bad dream, turn your pillow over. 3) If you are asked to eat in their Native home, and refuse, it is considered rude to reject their hospitality. 4) We Alaskan natives do not live in igloos, like so many think. 5) It is still spring here, still snow on the ground in some areas and snow on the low hill mountains. 6) There are no trees in this part of Alaska. Just lots of tundra and low mountains. 7) When trees are brought here during Christmas time, the trees after Christmas are placed on the frozen ocean to make it look like that there is a forest here. 8) When it snow here the snow snows sideways instead of straight down. 9) When it snows, the snow forms huge drifts from the high winds and freezing temperatures. 10) When the subsistance hunters go hunting and or even whaling they can feed a village. 11) Whale cut up in to sections and pieces is called Mungtuk, or whale blubber with the skin. It is a delicasy and well favored. 12) The baleen is part of the mouth of the whale and it is also used and carved into native artifacts and is concidered very expensive. I can go on and on but I won't cause I think it would be to lengthy for those that may not think is of interest to them. If you want to know more, let me know.. thanks

Answer 3

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