Which of the following has the longest small intestine?

1. Herbivores
2. Carnivores
3. Omnivores
4. Autotrophs

The length of the small intestine varies among animals depending on the type of food they consume:

1. Herbivores – Animals like cows have a longer small intestine. This is because their diet mainly consists of cellulose-rich food (grass, fruit peels, green leaves, etc.), which is difficult to digest and requires more time for complete breakdown. A longer intestine allows sufficient time for cellulose digestion.
2. Carnivores – Animals such as tigers, vultures, and snakes eat meat, which is easier to digest compared to cellulose. Hence, they have a shorter small intestine than herbivores.
3. Omnivores – Animals that eat both plants and animals (like humans) have an intermediate length of small intestine, suitable for digesting both plant and animal matter.
4. Autotrophs – Organisms like plants prepare their own food using carbon dioxide, water, chlorophyll, and sunlight. Since they do not have a digestive system, they also lack a small intestine.

Final Answer

The correct option is (A) Herbivores.