Question

Discuss the adaptations of earthworms with their applications.

Answer 1

Adaption of Earthworm:
1. Stream-lined body:

1. Adaptation: Earthworm has cylindrical, elongated and segmented body.
2. Application: 1. To live in burrows, 2. Easy penetration into soil.

2. Skin: 

1. Adaptation: Mucus covers skin, 2. slippery moist skin.
2. Application: 1. It does not allow soil particle to stick on the skin.
   2. Respiration through skin and oxygenation of blood.

3. Burrowing:

1. Adaptation: 1. Circular and longitudinal muscles in body.
   2. Each segment of the lower surface of the body has number of bristles called setae.
2. Application: 1. Movement and subsoil burrowing.
   2. To move through the soil and provide anchor in the burrows.

4. Aestivation

1. Adaptation: 1. During dry (or) hot condition, Earthworms moves deep into the soil and become inactive.
   2. It secrets mucus and lowers metabolic rate.
2. Application: To reduce water loss.

5. Nocturnality:

1. Adaptation: Earthworms sense light through light-sensitive cells in the skin.
   Remains in burrow during day.
2. Application: To detect light and changes in light intensity.