How do animals typically obtain energy from their food?

Animals typically obtain energy from their food through digestion and metabolic processes. When animals consume food, their digestive systems break it down into smaller molecules, such as sugars, proteins, and fats. This process involves mechanical and chemical means where enzymes play a crucial role in breaking down these complex molecules into simpler ones that can be absorbed by the body.

Once the food is digested, the body undergoes metabolic processes that convert the nutrients into energy. This energy is mainly produced through cellular respiration, where glucose is oxidized to release energy, which is essential for maintaining bodily functions, movement, and growth. By efficiently utilizing the nutrients obtained from their food, animals can sustain their energy needs and carry out vital biological activities.

In contrast, dormancy and hibernation refer to states where metabolic rates significantly slow down, not how energy is obtained. Storing food without consumption does not generate energy; it simply delays consumption. Direct photosynthesis is a process exclusive to plants and certain microorganisms, as it involves converting sunlight into chemical energy, which animals do not perform.