Sheep are classified as what type of animal?

Sheep are classified as ruminants, which are a specific group of herbivorous mammals that are characterized by their unique digestive system. Ruminants, including sheep, have a specialized stomach structure divided into four compartments: the rumen, reticulum, omasum, and abomasum. This complex digestive system allows them to efficiently break down fibrous plant materials through a process called fermentation, where microorganisms aid in the digestion of cellulose found in grasses and other vegetation.

Ruminants play a significant role in agriculture and ecosystems, as they can convert inedible plant materials into valuable protein sources, such as meat and milk. The ability of sheep to digest tough plant fibers through fermentation is key to their classification as ruminants, distinguishing them from other types of herbivores that may not have the same specialized digestive processes.