Question

Coelomic fluid of Pheretima is
(a) Acidic
(b) Watery
(c) Oily
(d) Alkaline

Answer 1

Hint: Coelomic fluid is the fluid that is present in the coelom of animals. The function of the coelom is to provide a cavity for the internal organs. In many cases, such as earthworms, this fluid also acts as a hydroskeleton and provides shape and structure to the body of these organisms.

Complete Step by Step Answer:
The coelomic fluid of Pheretima consists of the following functions, to help provide moisture which is essential for the proper functioning of organs and to help in respiration which takes place through the skin in earthworms. The coelomic fluid consists of a watery matrix, plasma, and coelomocytes. These coelomocytes are responsible for providing immunity to earthworms and also make the coelomic fluid alkaline in nature.

So, the correct option is ‘Alkaline’.

Additional information: Let us study more about earthworms.
- The earthworm is a member of the group Annelida. It has an organ- system level of body organization and bilateral symmetry.
- The characteristic feature of Annelida is the presence of metameres (100- 120 in number) i.e. their body is distinctly marked into little rings or segments.
- Excretion in earthworms takes place by nephridia.
- Earthworms are triploblastic monoecious animals.
- They are reddish- brown in appearance and are found in the upper layer of soil.
- They live in the burrows of soil which they form by burrowing and swallowing soil.
- In gardens, earthworms can be traced with the help of their fecal deposits known as worm castings.

Note:
- The burrows made by earthworms make the soil porous, thus facilitating the respiration of roots in the soil.
- They also decompose dead matter in the soil and increase the fertility of the soil.
- This process by which fertility of the soil is increased using earthworms is known as vermicomposting.