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(^7) TAPEWORM
This parasite lives in the intestines
of another animal – including some
people. Since it is surrounded by
pre-digested food it does not need
a digestive system of its own, or
even a mouth, and it just soaks up
nutrients through its thin skin.
(^8) EGYPTIAN VULTURE
Many creatures are scavengers
that feed on carrion (dead
flesh) and other scraps. They
include the Egyptian vulture,
which clears up remains that
would otherwise simply rot.
Without scavengers, the world
would be a lot less healthy.
(^9) HOUSEFLY
Many insects, including all flies,
can eat only liquid food. Some suck
blood, or gather nectar or plant
juices. The housefly can also liquefy
some solid foods such as sugar by
drenching them with saliva and
soaking up the result with its
mop-like mouthparts.
(^10) BROWN BEAR
Although basically a meat-eater,
the brown bear devours many foods
ranging from meat and fish to fruit
and honey. This means that it is not
specialized for any particular way
of feeding, and can change its food
with the seasons. Humans have the
same “omnivorous” (eat-all) diet.
(^6) GIANT ANTEATER
Many animals eat insects, but few
are so specialized for the job as the
giant anteater. It has a long, sticky,
worm-like tongue, which it flicks in
and out of its long snout up to 150
times a minute to scoop its tiny
prey from their nest.
A housefly can contaminate
food by walking on it
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