The claim that an animal has 800 stomachs is not accurate. In fact, there is no known animal that possesses such a large number of stomachs. The digestive system of animals varies greatly depending on their species and their dietary needs, but none have hundreds of stomachs.
It is important to clarify that the number of stomachs an animal has does not necessarily determine its digestive capabilities. For instance, ruminant animals like cows and sheep have a complex digestive system that includes multiple compartments, such as the rumen, reticulum, omasum, and abomasum. However, they do not have 800 stomachs.
The idea of an animal having 800 stomachs may stem from a misunderstanding or exaggeration of the complexity of certain digestive systems. For example, some animals like cows have a specialized digestive system that allows them to efficiently break down plant material. They have evolved a symbiotic relationship with microorganisms in their digestive tract, which aid in the breakdown of cellulose. This complex system enables them to extract nutrients from their food effectively.
In the case of the Etruscan shrew, which was mentioned in the question, it is a tiny mammal belonging to the order Eulipotyphla and the family Soricidae. While it is one of the smallest mammals in the world, weighing only a few grams, it certainly does not have 800 stomachs. In fact, like most mammals, the Etruscan shrew has a single stomach.
The Etruscan shrew is known for its incredibly high metabolic rate, which requires it to consume large amounts of food relative to its size. It has a rapid digestion process, allowing it to extract as many nutrients as possible from its diet of insects and small invertebrates. However, it achieves this with just one stomach, not hundreds.
There is no animal known to possess 800 stomachs. The digestive systems of animals vary in complexity, but even the most specialized systems found in certain species do not come close to having hundreds of stomachs. The claim seems to be a misunderstanding or a misrepresentation of the digestive capabilities of animals.