Animal Nutrition III (Ch. 41)
Keywords
Ruminant digestion
Symbiosis
Definition
Algal-invertebrate
Chemoautotroph-invertebrate
Hydrothermal vent
H2S (sulfide)
chemoautotrophy
Basic parts of alimentary canal
Structure of cellulose
Cecum
Allows breakdown of cellulose in herbivores
One opening and exit - lower oxygen, slower passage
Digested cellulose must be reintroduced to digestive system
Ruminant digestion
Ruminant 4 chambered stomach
Rumen and reticulum - where symbiotic bacteria and protists break down cellulose
Cow rechews food
Omasum - where water is absorbed
Abomasum - further digestion by cowís enzymes
Symbiosis
Autotroph-invertebrate symbiosis
Symbionts are algae
Algae photosynthesize and provide molecules such as sugars to the host
Hydra, anemones, giant clams, corals
Examples
Chemoautotroph-invertebrate symbiosis
Symbionts are chemoautotrophic bacteria
Bacteria use hydrogen sulfide as an energy source and provide molecules such as sugars to host
Tubeworms, clams, mussels
Where do we find these organisms?
Life at a vent
Respiratory surface of tubeworm
Oxygen and sulfide are transported to the bacteria
Chemoautotrophy: Bacteria oxidize sulfide and use the energy for carbon fixation