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How do wombats make cube-shaped droppings?

AnimalsMammals

Quick Answer

Wombats produce cube-shaped feces because of the way their intestines compress and dry the material during digestion.

The Full Story

Wombats are unusual among mammals because their droppings often come out cube-shaped. Scientists have found that the final part of the wombat intestine has regions of differing stiffness, which help shape the feces as water is absorbed. The cubes are thought to help keep droppings from rolling away, which may be useful for marking territory. This is one of the most distinctive digestive adaptations in the animal kingdom.

Key Facts

1.Wombat feces can be cube-shaped
2.The shape forms in the intestine
3.It may help with scent marking

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"How can an animal make cubes from poop?"