The Question is from neet-zoology structural-organisation-in-animals , and it was created by the author T HARITHA

Question

Which specific adaptation in earthworms allows them to thrive in waterlogged soils?

T HARITHA · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: C
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
 **Primary Concept**: Earthworm adaptations to hypoxic environments
 **Related Topics**: Respiration in invertebrates, anaerobic metabolism, soil ecology
 **Prerequisites**: Understanding of respiration, oxygen requirements of organisms, and the characteristics of waterlogged soils.
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
  The question asks about the specific adaptation allowing earthworms to thrive in waterlogged soils (soils with low oxygen levels).
  **Important conditions**: Waterlogged soil implies low oxygen availability (hypoxia).
**Method & Steps**:
 1. Analyze each option to determine its relevance to thriving in waterlogged soil.
  Reasoning: Waterlogged soil has reduced oxygen levels.  Earthworms need oxygen for respiration.
  Formula/Rule: None directly applicable.
 2. Evaluate the plausibility of each option in the context of low oxygen.
  Working:
  Option A (lungs): Earthworms do not have lungs; they respire through their skin.
  Option B (gills): While some aquatic worms have gills, terrestrial earthworms do not primarily rely on gills.
  Option C (cutaneous respiration and anaerobic tolerance): Earthworms respire through their moist skin (cutaneous respiration). In waterlogged soils, oxygen is scarce, so the ability to tolerate anaerobic conditions (absence of oxygen) for short periods becomes crucial for survival.
  Option D (symbiotic bacteria): While some organisms have symbiotic relationships to aid in anaerobic respiration, this isn't the primary adaptation of earthworms in waterlogged soil.
 3. Determine the most likely adaptation.
  Result: Cutaneous respiration combined with the ability to tolerate anaerobic conditions for short periods is the most suitable adaptation.
  Verification: The other options are not primary adaptations for surviving in waterlogged soil.  Cutaneous respiration allows gas exchange even in moist conditions, and anaerobic tolerance provides a survival mechanism during periods of extremely low oxygen.
 ## OPTION ANALYSIS
A :x: Highly developed lungs are not present in earthworms. Earthworms respire through their skin.
B :x: Specialized gills are not a characteristic of earthworms that thrive in waterlogged soils.
C ✓: Cutaneous respiration allows gas exchange, and tolerance of anaerobic conditions enables survival during periods of oxygen deficiency in waterlogged soil.
D :x: While gut symbiosis might play a minor role, it's not the primary adaptation enabling survival in low-oxygen conditions.
 ## LEARNING AIDS
 **Common Mistakes**:
  1.Confusing cutaneous respiration with gill respiration: Earthworms use their skin for gas exchange, not gills.
  2.Overlooking the importance of anaerobic tolerance:  Surviving in waterlogged soil requires the ability to tolerate periods of low or no oxygen.
 **Quick Tips**:
  1.Remember that earthworms breathe through their skin (cutaneous respiration).
  2.Waterlogged soil = low oxygen; therefore, the ability to tolerate anaerobic conditions is key.

T HARITHA · Answer

Highly developed lungs for efficient oxygen uptake

T HARITHA · Answer

Specialized gills for extracting dissolved oxygen from water

T HARITHA · Answer

The correct Option is "Cutaneous respiration and ability to tolerate anaerobic conditions for short periods"

T HARITHA · Answer

Symbiotic relationship with anaerobic bacteria in their gut

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