What is the process in which bacteria breaks down roughage called?

What is the process in which bacteria breaks down roughage called?

• A. Digestion
• B. Fermentation
• C. Regurgitation
• D. Absorption

Answer: (B)

Fermentation is the microbial breakdown of roughage (fibrous plant material) by gut bacteria. In animals that rely on microbes, these bacteria digest cellulose and other complex carbohydrates to produce short-chain fatty acids that the animal can use for energy. This process happens in parts of the gut such as the rumen in ruminants or the hindgut in others. Digestion refers to the host’s own enzymes, regurgitation is cud-chewing behavior in some ruminants, and absorption is taking up nutrients after digestion; none of those explain bacterial breakdown of fibrous material as fermentation does.

Fermentation is the microbial breakdown of roughage (fibrous plant material) by gut bacteria. In animals that rely on microbes, these bacteria digest cellulose and other complex carbohydrates to produce short-chain fatty acids that the animal can use for energy. This process happens in parts of the gut such as the rumen in ruminants or the hindgut in others. Digestion refers to the host’s own enzymes, regurgitation is cud-chewing behavior in some ruminants, and absorption is taking up nutrients after digestion; none of those explain bacterial breakdown of fibrous material as fermentation does.