What type of digestive system features one large stomach divided into four compartments?

The type of digestive system that features one large stomach divided into four compartments is characteristic of ruminants. Ruminants, such as cows, sheep, and goats, have a specialized stomach structure that consists of four distinct compartments: the rumen, reticulum, omasum, and abomasum. This unique arrangement allows these animals to efficiently break down fibrous plant materials through a process called fermentation, which is vital for extracting nutrients from their herbivorous diet.

The first compartment, the rumen, serves as a fermentation chamber where microbial breakdown of cellulose occurs. The reticulum aids in the formation of cud, which animals later regurgitate and re-chew to enhance digestion. The omasum functions in further absorbing water and nutrients, while the abomasum is similar to a monogastric stomach that secretes digestive enzymes to break down proteins.

In contrast, monogastric systems have a single-chambered stomach, avian systems possess a crop and gizzard rather than compartments, and hindgut fermenters, like horses, have a simple stomach but rely on a more complex cecum for fermentation. This distinction highlights the specialized adaptation of ruminants for digesting high-fiber diets.