Post on 27-Dec-2015
Keywords• Ruminant digestion• Symbiosis
– Definition
– Algal-invertebrate
– Chemoautotroph-invertebrate
• Hydrothermal vent
• H2S (sulfide)
• chemoautotrophy
Cecum
• Allows breakdown of cellulose in herbivores
• One opening and exit - lower oxygen, slower passage
• Digested cellulose must be reintroduced to digestive system
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 cow’s enzymes
Autotroph-invertebrate symbiosis
• Symbionts are algae
• Algae photosynthesize and provide molecules such as sugars to the host
• Hydra, anemones, giant clams, corals
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