Which type of stomach is characterized by four compartments?

The type of stomach characterized by four compartments is the ruminant stomach. Ruminants, such as cows, sheep, and deer, possess a specialized digestive system that includes four distinct chambers: the rumen, reticulum, omasum, and abomasum. Each compartment plays a crucial role in the complex process of digestion, allowing these animals to effectively break down fibrous plant materials that are difficult to digest.

In the rumen, microbial fermentation occurs, breaking down cellulose and other carbohydrates. The reticulum works closely with the rumen and is involved in the regurgitation process known as rumination, allowing the animal to chew its food again for better digestion. The omasum absorbs water and nutrients, while the abomasum functions similarly to a monogastric stomach, producing acids and enzymes that further digest food before it passes into the intestines.

This highly efficient system enables ruminants to extract maximum nutrients from their herbivorous diets, demonstrating an adaptation to their natural feeding habits.