FEEDING MECHANISMS OF ANIMALS The mechanisms by which an animal obtains and utilizes the food materials to perform different metabolic activities known as feeding mechanisms of animals. The size of the food particles differ from microscopic organisms to big size animals and plants (their parts). Depending on the size of food particles organism consumes and possess varied mechanisms to capture the food. Examples: Protozoans, Coelenterates, Annelids, Arthropoda. Ø Protozoan’s · Example: Amoeba It is a unicellular organism which feeds on bacteria, minute algae and dead organic matter present in its environment. § Feeding Process: When amoeba comes in contact with inactive prey it uses its pseudopodia which forms as a cup like structure around the prey to take food. Then it engulfs the food into the body to the food vacuole. Ø Coelenterates · Example: Hydra It is a multicellular, aquatic organism which feeds on larvae of tadpole, insects and crustaceans. § Feeding Process: At the anterior end, mouth is surrounded with tentacles (used to capture the prey)which secretes a poison Hypnotoxin i.e., Sleep Promoting Substance – SPS helps to paralyze or kill it. Hence the prey is gained by the tentacles nearer to the mouth. Then food enters in to the gartrovascular cavity through the mouth. Ø Annelids · Example: Earthworm An earthworm is a tube shaped, segmented worm commonly found in the soil which feeds on organic matter. § Feeding Process: The mouth of the earthworm is surrounded by strong lips which help to grab the pieces of dead grass, leaves.weeds and bits of soil. Then food enters into the digestive tract through the muscular pharynx (acts as suction pump) · Example: Leech It is a segmented organism majorly found in fresh water and some in marine water which feeds on blood. § Feeding Process: With the help of jaws (three blade structure) it sucks the blood. During feeding it releases its saliva which acts as anticoagulant (prevent from clotting) by leaving a Y shaped incision. Behind blade mouth is ventrally located leading successively into the pharynx through this food enters into the digestive tract. Ø Arthropoda · Example: Cockroach It is a insect majorly lives in the dark places which feeds on organic matter. § Feeding Process: With the help of antennae and forelegs it takes the food. During feeding, it takes the pieces of paper, bread, vegetables and grinds them. Then food enters into the digestive tract through trachea. · Example : Houseflies It is a fly present in our surroundings which feed on solid particles by turning them into liquid form by using its saliva. § Feeding Process: With the help of proboscis it takes the food. Then food enters into the digestive tract through pseudo trachea. · Example : Mosquitoes These are present in our surroundings which feeds on plant juices (male) and blood (female) § Feeding Process: By using labium it sucks the blood. During feeding they will release the anticoagulant present in its saliva. Then food is directed straight to the digestive tract through hypo pharynx. · Example : Honeybees, Butterflies · These are the flies’ lives in our surroundings which feed on nectar from the flowers. § Feeding Process: By using proboscis and forelegs it takes the nectar from the flowers. Then the food enters into the digestive tract through mouth. § Example : Scorpion & Spider These are segmented organisms which feed on small insects. § Feeding Process: By using the stinger they will take the food. During feeding they release venom (present in tail portion) to kill (or) paralyze the prey. Then food enters into the digestive tract through pharynx
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