Ruminants
Ruminants are a group of mammals that are characterized by their unique digestive system. They include animals such as cows, sheep, goats, and deer. Here is an explanation of what makes ruminants distinct:

Four-Chambered Stomach
- Ruminants have a four-chambered stomach, which allows them to efficiently digest plant-based food. The four compartments are the rumen, reticulum, omasum, and abomasum.

Rumination
- Ruminants have the ability to regurgitate their food and re-chew it. This process, known as rumination, helps break down tough plant material and extract more nutrients from their food.

Microbial Fermentation
- Ruminants rely on microbial fermentation in their stomachs to digest cellulose, a complex carbohydrate found in plants. The microbes in their stomachs help break down cellulose into simpler compounds that the animals can absorb.

High Nutrient Absorption
- The unique digestive system of ruminants allows them to efficiently absorb nutrients from their food. This is why ruminants are able to thrive on diets that are high in fiber and low in protein.

Examples of Ruminants
- Some common examples of ruminants include cows, sheep, goats, and deer. These animals play a crucial role in ecosystems by converting plant material into energy that can be used by other organisms.
In conclusion, ruminants are a diverse group of mammals with specialized digestive systems that allow them to thrive on plant-based diets. Their ability to efficiently digest fibrous material and extract nutrients from their food makes them an important part of many ecosystems.