Here's a breakdown:
1. Ingestion: The animal takes in food through its mouth.
2. Mechanical Digestion: Food is physically broken down into smaller pieces by chewing (in the mouth) and churning (in the stomach).
3. Chemical Digestion: Enzymes in the digestive system break down large food molecules (like proteins, carbohydrates, and fats) into smaller molecules that the body can absorb.
4. Absorption: The small molecules are absorbed into the bloodstream through the lining of the small intestine.
5. Elimination: Waste products that were not digested are eliminated from the body as feces.
Let me know if you'd like to know more about any specific part of the digestive process!