Most mammals have a monogastric digestive system, which means they have one stomach chamber. Ruminants and pseudo-ruminants consume a large amount of plant material and have polygastric digestive systems, which means they have more than one stomach chamber. Why is an increased number of stomach chambers beneficial for ruminants and pseudo-ruminants?
a. Microbes in the chambers break down and ferment plant material.
b. Extended exposure to stomach acid breaks down more cellulose.
c. Increased amounts of peristalsis crush more of the plant fibers.
d. Having more stomach chambers increases exposure for nutrients to be absorbed.