Final Assessment - Fundamentals of Anima Body Systems: Digestive Fundamentals of Animal Body Systems: Digestive 17 of 20 __ is the process of chewing food Rumination Mastication Prehension Peristalsis

## Step 1<br />The question is asking for the term that describes the process of chewing food. The options provided are all related to different stages or processes in the digestive system.<br /><br />## Step 2<br />Rumination is a process where the food is regurgitated back to the mouth for further chewing. This is a process that is common in ruminant animals like cows and sheep.<br /><br />## Step 3<br />Mastication is the process of breaking down food into smaller pieces by the action of the teeth. This is the process of chewing food.<br /><br />## Step 4<br />Prehension is the act of seizing and holding something. In the context of the digestive system, it refers to the act of taking food into the mouth.<br /><br />## Step 5<br />Peristalsis is the process of wave-like muscle contractions that move food through the digestive tract.<br /><br />## Step 6<br />Given the definitions of these terms, the correct answer is Mastication, as it is the process of chewing food.