The microbiome is one of the most essential parts of digestion. It helps break down food and absorb nutrients in the guts. Oftentimes, the specific "biome" in one's gut can lead to cravings, like chocolate or fried foods.
...Which then leads us to preds.
Their gut microbiome is a lot different than the average person's. For one, the intake of protein they get from devouring people whole leads to them being muscular or chubby. Usually, preds have soft, cushy guts, which starts developing as soon as they devour their first prey. It's speculated that their plush bellies are a result of two things: the caloric intake of swallowing and digesting another person whole, and then, their gut's microbiome flourishing rapidly due to the influx of nutrients. The rapid increase of microorganisms in the gut is what helps a pred develop their appetite further; more meat equals a stronger microbiome, afterall.
The gut's microbiome also impacts how fast the pred's digestion is. Some instances have preds digesting a prey in as fast as two hours, while other instances have preds taking up to a week to digest their prey.
...What? Why am I telling you all of this? Oh! don't you know what this study is for?
...You didn't read the fine print?
Gosh, uh... how do I explain this to you, then...
You see that gal over there? The- yeah, the tall, muscular one with the plush stomach? Yeeeaaaah.
You're going to be her next meal. And it's my job to record how long it takes for her to digest you.
No- no, don't run, don't-
You take off running, but with a shocking burst of speed, your pred takes off after you, grabbing you by the shoulders, hefting you up, and dropping you into her mouth. She gulps, and as she does, a fat lump travels down her throat and then spills into her gut. Within minutes, her stomach is quietly gurgling as she smugly runs her hands over the swell of her belly.
...Well, I tried to warn you. Anyways! Back to what I was saying; the pred's microbiome is what helps them digest such large, lively meals...
