Fecal Matter: Unusual Diets and Medical Breakthroughs
In the sphere of wildlife, certain creatures exhibit a behavior that might seem grotesque to us humans - coprophagia, or the consumption of feces. A prominent example is the dung beetle. These industrious insects consume dung as their primary nutrition source, helping to recycle nutrients back into the soil, a crucial aspect of the ecosystem. Contrarily, birds like the American Robin engage in a similar activity not for nutrition but cleanliness. Parent robins remove the fecal sacs produced by their chicks from the nest, sometimes consuming them, preventing the spread of harmful bacteria. The natural human revulsion to feces is our body s way of protecting us from potential diseases. Our feces can contain harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites, posing a significant risk if ingested. However, in a fascinating twist, doctors have found value in fecal matter for treating severe infections like C. difficile. Fecal transplants, as jarring as they sound, involve transferring processed fecal matter from a healthy donor to a patient s intestine, re-establishing healthy gut flora and aiding in recovery. In conclusion, while the topic might initially elicit repulsion or humor, it proves that there s much to learn when we put our initial reactions aside. So the next time you say poop in my mouth, remember, it might not be as disgusting as it sounds!
Question 1
What is coprophagia?
A type of animal
A kind of disease
A type of plant
The consumption of feces
A type of bacteria
Question 2
Why do robins engage in coprophagia?
For nutrition
For fun
To attract a mate
For cleanliness
To scare off predators
Question 3
What is the primary nutrition source for dung beetles?
Leaves
Other insects
Fruits
Dung
Seeds
Question 4
Why are fecal transplants used in medical treatment?
To transfer viruses
To cause infection
To re-establish healthy gut flora
To increase appetite
To increase weight
Question 5
What does the human revulsion to feces protect us from?
Pleasure
Nutrient absorption
Potential diseases
Hunger
Dehydration
or share via
Assign the ReadTheory pretest to determine students' reading levels.
