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[[File:Alimentary Canal (PSF).jpg|thumb|Alimentary Canal]]
'''Alimentary canal''' is the term used in [[zoology]] for the gut of animals. For humans in particular, see [[human gastrointestinal tract]].

The canal (or tube) is in [[bilateria]]n [[animal]]s. It carries food through [[digestion]] and [[excretion]].<ref name=Invert/> Into the tube come various digestive [[enzyme]]s. [[Gut flora]] also help digestion. Muscular movements pass the material down the tube. The gut usually has an exit, the [[anus]], by which the animal disposes of solid wastes. Some small animals have no anus and dispose of solid wastes by other means, for example through the mouth.<ref name=Invert>Ruppert E.E., Fox R.S. and Barnes R.D. 2004. ''Invertebrate zoology''. 7th ed, Brooks/Cole. ISBN 0030259827</ref>

Animals that have guts are classified as either [[protostome]]s or [[deuterostome]]s, as the gut evolved twice, an example of [[convergent evolution]]. They are distinguished by the development of their [[embryo]]s. Protostomes develop their mouths first, while deuterostomes develop their mouths second. Protostome include [[arthropod]]s, [[mollusc]]s, and [[annelid]]s, while deuterostomes include [[echinoderm]]s and [[chordate]]s. 

==References==
{{reflist}}


{{biology-stub}}

[[Category:Anatomy of the digestive system]]
[[Category:Animal anatomy]]