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Animals which eat their own faeces are called
[CPMT-88]
  • a)
    Omnivorous
  • b)
    Herbivorous
  • c)
    Coprophagus
  • d)
    Carnivorous
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
Animals which eat their own faeces are called[CPMT-88]a)Omnivorousb)He...
Introduction:
Animals have diverse dietary habits, and their food choices vary widely. Some animals have the ability to consume their own feces, which is known as coprophagy. This behavior may seem unusual or unpleasant to humans, but it serves certain purposes in the animal kingdom. In this answer, we will explain why animals engage in coprophagy and why the correct term for animals that eat their own feces is "coprophagus."

Explanation:
Coprophagy:
Coprophagy refers to the consumption of feces by an animal. This behavior is observed in various animal species, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects. While it may seem unappealing, coprophagy serves specific purposes for these animals.

Reasons for Coprophagy:
1. Nutrient Absorption:
Some animals, especially herbivores, have specialized digestive systems that are capable of extracting maximum nutrients from plant material. However, they may not be able to fully digest all the nutrients during the initial digestion process. By consuming their own feces, these animals have a second chance to extract additional nutrients from their partially digested food.

2. Microbial Contamination:
In some cases, animals consume their feces to prevent the spread of harmful microorganisms. For example, rabbits and rodents, which have a unique digestive system that relies on microbial fermentation, practice coprophagy to obtain essential nutrients and to limit the growth of harmful bacteria in their digestive tracts.

3. Maternal Care:
In certain species, such as rabbits, coprophagy is a vital part of maternal care. Mother rabbits consume the feces of their young, which are rich in nutrients, to keep their den clean and to prevent attracting predators. This behavior also helps to establish a healthy microbial population within the digestive system of the young rabbits.

The Correct Term:
The correct term for animals that eat their own feces is "coprophagus." This term is derived from the Greek words "kopros" meaning "feces" and "phagein" meaning "to eat." Animals that engage in coprophagy are referred to as coprophagous or coprophagic.

Conclusion:
Coprophagy, the act of consuming one's own feces, may seem strange to humans, but it serves important purposes for certain animal species. By engaging in coprophagy, these animals can maximize nutrient absorption, prevent microbial contamination, and provide maternal care. The correct term for animals that eat their own feces is "coprophagus," which accurately describes this behavior in the animal kingdom.
Free Test
Community Answer
Animals which eat their own faeces are called[CPMT-88]a)Omnivorousb)He...
A coprophagous organism is one that eats the faeces/excrement of another animal. Many insect species are coprophagous and often specialise in the consumption of faeces from large herbivores. Some of the most well-known coprophagous insects are the dung beetles
So answer is C
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Animals which eat their own faeces are called[CPMT-88]a)Omnivorousb)Herbivorousc)Coprophagusd)CarnivorousCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
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