coprophagous

Coprophagous refers to an organism that consumes feces. This behavior, known as coprophagy, is observed across a wide range of species, including insects, mammals, birds, and even some reptiles. The reasons for coprophagy can vary greatly depending on the animal and its ecological niche.

In some cases, coprophagy is a way to obtain nutrients that were not fully digested in the initial passage through the digestive system. For example, certain rodents and lagomorphs, such as rabbits, practice coprophagy to reingest nutrient-rich feces called cecotropes. These specialized droppings are produced in the cecum and are rich in B vitamins, proteins, and other essential compounds that the animal can absorb upon a second pass.

Other animals engage in coprophagy for different reasons. Many insects, like dung beetles, feed on the feces of other animals as a primary food source, playing a crucial role in nutrient cycling and decomposition within ecosystems. For some birds, such as certain petrels, coprophagy might be a way to supplement their diet with fats or other nutrients found in the droppings of their prey or in guano. In some instances, coprophagy can also be a behavioral adaptation to obtain water or to mask their scent from predators. While the practice may seem unappealing to humans, it is a natural and often essential survival strategy for many organisms in the animal kingdom.