British Columbia CORE Hunting Practice Exam

What type of animal is characterized by a ruminant stomach and no upper incisors?

1. Browsers

2. Grazers

3. Both A and B

4. Carnivores

The correct answer is: Both A and B

The type of animal characterized by a ruminant stomach and the absence of upper incisors includes both browsers and grazers. Ruminants are herbivorous mammals that have a unique digestive system allowing them to efficiently process plant material. Their stomach is divided into multiple chambers, which facilitates the fermentation of tough plant fibers. Browsers are animals that primarily feed on leaves, shoots, and fruits from trees and shrubs. Grazers, on the other hand, typically consume grasses and other low-lying vegetation. Both types of animals share the common trait of having a ruminant stomach, which enables them to break down fibrous plant material and extract necessary nutrients. The absence of upper incisors in these animals is another distinguishing feature; instead, they often have a tough, dental pad against which they can grind and tear vegetation. This adaptation makes it easier for them to consume their plant-based diet effectively. Carnivores do not fit this description, as they have different digestive systems and teeth adapted for tearing flesh rather than processing plant matter. Similarly, the distinction between browsers and grazers is crucial, as both exhibit the specific characteristics outlined in the question. Thus, both browsers and grazers represent the correct grouping of animals defined by their ruminant stomach