Final answer:
Some animals other than humans that cannot synthesize ascorbic acid include guinea pigs, some primates, and fruit bats. These species must obtain vitamin C through their diet to prevent deficiency diseases like scurvy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Similar to humans, there are other animals that cannot synthesize ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and must obtain it through their diet. Guinea pigs, some primates, and fruit bats are examples of such animals. These species lack the enzyme L-gulonolactone oxidase, which is necessary for the synthesis of vitamin C from glucose.
As a consequence, they need to consume foods that are rich in this vitamin to prevent deficiency diseases such as scurvy. The dietary requirement showcases a loss of metabolic abilities through evolutionary time due to the constant availability of the necessary vitamins in their diets over time.
This aspect of nutrition emphasizes the role fruits, vegetables, and other vitamin-rich foods play in the health of various species, including humans.
In contrast, most animals, including livestock such as cows, are capable of synthesizing vitamin C and do not require it from their diet. Nonetheless, the presence of vitamin C in meat is very low, underscoring the importance of a diverse diet for dietary balance.
Moreover, the metabolic pathways for producing other essential nutrients vary across different organisms, highlighting the complexity and diversity of nutritional requirements among different species.