Question

according to figure 24.24, a high - school student in nepal is accepted to—and eventually attends—a college in the united states. his diet changes from one that is rich in vegetables and grains to one that primarily consists of meat and sugars. what will happen to the bacteria living in his intestines?
a there will be more bacteroidetes inhabiting his intestinal tract.
b there will be more firmicutes inhabiting his intestinal tract.
c bacteria will no longer inhabit his intestines.
d nothing will happen; there is no relationship between bacteria in the intestines and diet.

Explanation:

• Option A: Bacteroidetes are more associated with a diet rich in vegetables and grains. Since the student's diet has changed away from this, this option is incorrect.
• Option B: Firmicutes are more abundant in diets high in meat and sugars. As the student's new diet is primarily meat and sugars, this option is correct.
• Option C: Bacteria are normal inhabitants of the intestines and play important roles (e.g., in digestion). A change in diet won't eliminate them completely. So this option is incorrect.
• Option D: There is a well - established relationship between gut bacteria (gut microbiota) and diet. Different diets favor different bacterial populations. So this option is incorrect.

Answer:

B. There will be more Firmicutes inhabiting his intestinal tract.