What is a monogastric animal?

A monogastric animal is characterized by having a single-chambered stomach, which means its digestive system is simpler compared to ruminant animals that possess multiple stomach compartments. This type of digestive system is typical for animals like pigs, humans, and dogs. Monogastric animals digest food differently; they primarily rely on enzymes in their stomach and small intestine to break down food. This process allows for more efficient digestion of proteins and carbohydrates, making it suitable for animals that consume a varied diet rather than predominantly fibrous plants.

The other options pertain to different concepts. Animals with multiple stomachs relate to ruminants, which are specifically designed to break down tough plant materials found in their diets. Describing an animal that eats grass doesn't specifically indicate the structure of its stomach, and carnivorous animals can have a variety of digestive systems, including both monogastric and ruminant types. Therefore, the defining characteristic of a monogastric animal is solely based on it having a single stomach.