Question

Earthworms breathe through their……………
A. Nose
B. Skin
C. Mouth
D. None of the above

Answer 1

Hint:-Body of earthworm is cylindrical, which is divided into similar short segments known as metameres. The dorsal surface of the body contains a dark medial mid dorsal line along the longitudinal axis of the body. Genital organs are located in the ventral surface of the body of earthworms.

Complete step-by-step solution:-Earthworm is the reddish brown coloured terrestrial invertebrate which inhabits the upper layer of moist soil. They are nocturnal in habit. During day time they reside in their underground burrows and at night they come out in search of food. In summer or winter, they burrow deep and protect themselves.
Body of the earthworm is long, cylindrical and segmented. Their anterior and posterior ends, dorsal and ventral surfaces are clearly marked. The does not contain a distinct head region.
Anterior ends of the earthworm contain mouth and prostomium. Prostomium is a lobe which serves as a covering for the mouth and is sensory in function. The first body segment of the earthworm is called peristomium. Mouth is present in the peristomium.
In mature worms, segments 14-16 are fused to form a swollen circular and glandular girdle, known as clitellum. Clitellum is a dark band of glandular tissue. Based on the clitellum body of the earthworm is divided into the Proclitellar, clitellar and postclitellar segments.
Specialised breathing apparatus is absent in earthworms. Earthworms breathe through their skin. Because their skin is permeable to gases. Their skin is moist and respiration through skin is known as cutaneous respiration.
Thus, here the correct answer is B) Skin.

Note:- Earthworms are very important in agriculture. They constantly engage in digging burrows and feeding soil. This makes the top soil loose, porous and well aerated, increasing its water absorbing power, improves its fertility and productivity and makes it ideal for agriculture. Therefore, earthworms are called “nature’s ploughmen” and “farmer’s friend”.