Questions and Answers
Earthworms are classified in which phylum?
Annelida
Name three segmented worms besides earthworms.
Fire worms, sand worms and leeches
What is the function of the earthworm's cuticle?
Protects the earthworm from harmful parasites and substances
The earthworm has many small ganglia located along the length of its body.
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Where in the earthworm's digestive system does mechanical digestion occur?
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Why are earthworms sometimes called the 'intestines of the soil'?
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The blood in an earthworm leaves the blood vessels to bathe the body organs.
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What type of vessel carries blood toward the heart?
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How does an earthworm breathe?
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Earthworms are hermaphroditic.
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Study Notes
Earthworms and Their Classification
- Earthworms belong to the phylum Annelida, which includes segmented worms.
- Other examples of segmented worms are fire worms, sand worms, and leeches.
Earthworm Anatomy and Functions
- The earthworm's cuticle serves to protect it from harmful parasites and substances.
- Small ganglia, which function as nerve clusters, are present along the length of an earthworm's body.
- Mechanical digestion occurs in the gizzard, a specialized part of the earthworm's digestive system.
Ecological Role of Earthworms
- Known as the "intestines of the soil," earthworms consume plant and animal matter, breaking it down and enriching soil with their casts, which are mineral-rich and beneficial for plant growth.
- They create extensive burrows in the soil, aiding in aeration and nutrient cycling.
Circulatory System and Breathing
- Blood does not leave the blood vessels to bathe the organs; this statement is false.
- Veins are responsible for carrying blood toward the earthworm's heart.
- Earthworms breathe through their epidermis, functioning like a large lung without the need for specialized lungs.
Reproductive Traits
- Earthworms are hermaphroditic, meaning each individual possesses both male and female reproductive organs.
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Description
Test your knowledge of the Animal Kingdom with these flashcards focused on earthworms and their classification within the phylum Annelida. Explore key concepts such as segmented worms, functions, and unique features of earthworms. Perfect for revising essential life science terms.
