How does a mouse eat seeds? - briefly
A mouse grabs a seed with its forepaws, places it between its incisors, gnaws to crack the shell, and uses its tongue to extract the kernel before swallowing. This rapid sequence is repeated for each seed consumed.
How does a mouse eat seeds? - in detail
A mouse locates a seed through its keen sense of smell and whisker tactile feedback. Once the item is within reach, the forepaws grasp the seed, positioning it against the incisors. The sharp, continuously growing front teeth bite off a manageable fragment, often slicing the seed coat to expose the interior. The mouse then uses its molars to grind the softer tissues, generating a fine mash that can be swallowed easily. Saliva, rich in enzymes such as amylase, begins carbohydrate breakdown as the food is chewed. After mastication, the bolus travels down the esophagus to the stomach, where gastric acids and pepsin further digest proteins and lipids. The resulting chyme passes into the small intestine, where pancreatic enzymes and bile complete nutrient absorption. Waste material proceeds to the large intestine for water reabsorption and eventual excretion.
Key actions in the feeding process include:
- Detection: olfactory receptors and vibrissae assess seed presence.
- Grasping: forelimbs secure the seed.
- Incisor incision: sharp front teeth cut the seed coat.
- Molars grinding: posterior teeth crush the seed interior.
- Salivary mixing: enzymes start carbohydrate digestion.
- Swallowing: chewed material moves to the stomach.
- Gastric breakdown: acids and enzymes act on proteins and fats.
- Intestinal absorption: nutrients enter the bloodstream.