AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -The pig has a digestive system which is classified as monogastric, or nonruminant. Humans also have this type of digestive system. They have one stomach (mono = one, gastric = stomach). The monogastric differs from that of a polygastric, or ruminant, digestive system found in cattle and sheep.

Detailed explanation-2: -A monogastric is an animal with a single-compartmented stomach. Examples of monogastrics include humans, poultry, pigs, horses, rabbits, dogs and cats. Most monogastrics are generally unable to digest much cellulose food materials such as grasses.

Detailed explanation-3: -Pigs and humans are monogastrics, meaning we have one major stomach compartment and rely primarily on enzymes for digestion (Figure 1). This is in contrast to ruminants, which have three pre-stomach chambers devoted to fermentation of feedstuffs and an enzymatic stomach as well.

Detailed explanation-4: -The term “monogastric” refers to the structure of the stomach. In a monogastric digestive system, the stomach has a simple structure consisting of a single compartment. A number of species have a monogastric digestive system, including swine, horses, dogs, rabbits, and fowl.

Detailed explanation-5: -Humans, swine, rabbits, chickens and horses all have a simple stomach, which is also known as a monogastric digestive system. Carnivores and omnivores have monogastric digestive systems.