Why can ruminants metabolize cellulose?

Ruminants can metabolize cellulose due to their specialized digestive system, which includes a multi-chambered stomach, particularly the rumen. The rumen hosts a diverse population of microorganisms, including bacteria and protozoa, that produce enzymes capable of breaking down cellulose into simpler sugars. This symbiotic relationship allows ruminants to extract energy from fibrous plant materials that non-ruminants cannot efficiently digest. Additionally, the fermentation process in the rumen produces volatile fatty acids, which serve as a primary energy source for these animals.