Explore herbivore mouthparts, teeth, digestive systems and detoxifying gut microbes that support feeding on plant material in IB Biology SL B4.2.9.
Convergent evolution increases similarities, despite differences in origins.
Suggest examples of adaptations in herbivores for feeding on plants.
a. piercing mouthparts/stylet for feeding on/sucking out sap;
b. chewing mouthparts/mandibles for eating leaves/stems/wood;
c. grinding teeth/ridged molars;
d. multiple stomachs/long caecum/intestine for better digestion;
e. able to detoxify plant toxins;
f. make cellulase to digest cellulose/harbour cellulase producing microbes;
g. e.g. some birds/hummingbirds have long beak/tongue for extracting nectar / any verifiable adaptation for feeding or digestion;