The gut is dynamic

Energy demands & food quality alter gut:~ size, enzyme/transporter activity, absorptivity (all costly!) e.g. birds ~low temp, incr exercise (months)-- incr small intestine -- incr nutrient uptake efficiency e.g. snake ~ huge meal --40% incr sm intesti

Energy demands & food quality alter gut: ~ size, enzyme/transporter activity, absorptivity (all costly!) e.g. birds ~low temp, incr exercise (months)-- incr small intestine -- incr nutrient uptake efficiency e.g. snake ~ huge meal --40% incr sm intesti