What Is Life? A Guide to Biology with Physiology
4th Edition
ISBN: 9781319065447
Author: Jay Phelan
Publisher: W. H. Freeman
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Question
Chapter 23, Problem 1SA
Summary Introduction
To analyze:
Why herbivores must spend a large portion of each day, eating.
Introduction:
The food of herbivores is easily available, but difficult to digest.
Expert Solution & Answer
Explanation of Solution
Plants are easily available sources of food; however, they are difficult to digest. Plants are filled with fiber, and provide fewer kilocalories per unit of weight than the meat that carnivores or omnivores eat does. Therefore, herbivores need to eat larger amounts, and more often than carnivores do, to get sufficient energy and nutrients.
Conclusion
Since plants have more fiber, they are harder to digest and provide fewer kilocalories than the meat-based diet of carnivores does. This is why herbivores need to eat throughout the day.
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Chapter 23 Solutions
What Is Life? A Guide to Biology with Physiology
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