What macromolecules is used for energy in the elephant? proteins and fats carbs and fats proteins and carbs

Answer 1

Carbohydrates are generally the source of quick energy, meaning carbs are metabolized quickly after eating as a source of energy. Fats are generally the source of long-term energy storage, so if there is no need for metabolizing the carbs that are eaten into energy right away, they can get stored as fats. Fats can then be metabolized into energy when energy is needed but carbs are not present in the body. Proteins can also be metabolized in the body to gain energy when both carbohydrates and fats are not present, but proteins are functional molecules in essence and not typically meant for energy storage, so this is not ideal.

Considering an elephant's diet is mostly grass and bamboo, which are not high fat content foods, they are likely to follow the typical trend of using carbohydrates 1st, fats 2nd, and then proteins 3rd in priority breaking down for energy.