Herbivores do not produce enzymes that digest cellulose. How does the cellulose in their food get digested?
(a) Bacteria in their gut convert the cellulose into glucose.
(b) Algae in their gut convert the cellulose into simple sugars.
(c) Fungi in their gut convert the cellulose into simple sugars.
(d) Viruses in their gut convert the cellulose into simple sugars.

Correct Answer: (a) Bacteria in their gut convert the cellulose into glucose.

Explanation:

 In animals like Termites, the cellulose is digested by microbes present in the gut or stomach.

In herbivores, there is a different compartment in the stomach for the digestion of cellulose which is known as rumen and the animals are called ruminants.

The ingested food containing cellulose is stored in the rumen temporarily. The bacteria and enzymes present in the rumen conduct anaerobic bacterial digestion of cellulose.

Later the partially digested food is regurgitated to chew their cud. Cellulose is not digestible by the human digestive system. However, this fibrous component helps in the smooth functioning of the intestinal tract.