What type of animal is described as having a simple stomach?

Animals described as having a simple stomach belong to the category of monogastrics. Monogastric animals have one chamber in their stomach, which processes food in a more straightforward way compared to ruminants, which have a complex, multi-chambered stomach designed for fermenting fibrous plant material.

Monogastric digestion involves the enzymatic breakdown of food, primarily in the stomach and small intestine. Common examples of monogastric animals include pigs, dogs, and humans. Their digestive systems are not optimized for the fermentation of cellulose, which is found in large quantities in plants. Instead, monogastrics often rely on a diet that includes grains, proteins, and other easily digestible nutrients.

In contrast, ruminants have a much more complex digestive system that allows them to efficiently break down fibrous plant material using a multi-chamber stomach. While herbivores and omnivores can include monogastric animals within their classifications, the defining characteristic of having a simple stomach specifically relates to monogastrics.