The breaking down of food in the alimentary canal is called

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks for the term describing the breaking down of food in the alimentary canal (the gut, from mouth to anus).

Step 2: Explain the concepts Here is what each term means:

• Digestion: the breakdown of large, complex, insoluble food molecules into smaller, soluble molecules that the body can absorb. This is done physically (chewing, churning) and chemically (enzymes).
• Egestion: the removal of undigested food (faeces) from the body through the anus.
• Excretion: the removal of metabolic waste products from the body, such as urea, carbon dioxide and excess water (via kidneys, lungs and skin).
• Ingestion: taking food into the body through the mouth.

Step 3: Apply to the question

• The question is about breaking down food, not taking it in (ingestion), not removing undigested waste (egestion), and not removing metabolic waste (excretion).
• Breaking food down into simpler absorbable substances is digestion.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is A. digestion.

Tip: Remember the order of the feeding process: Ingestion → Digestion → Absorption → Assimilation → Egestion. A helpful memory phrase: "I Do Always Argue Everyday." Also, don't confuse egestion (removing undigested food) with excretion (removing metabolic waste). This is a very common JAMB trap.