Question

Following are the statements about prostomium of earthworm.

a) It serves as a covering for the mouth.

b) It helps to open cracks in the soil into which it can crawl.

c) It is one of the sensory structures.

d) It is the first body segment.

• A. (a), (b) and (d) are correct
• B. (a), (b) and (c) are correct
• C. (a), (b), (c) and (d) are correct
• D. (b) and (c) are correct

Answer 1

The correct option is B

(a), (b) and (c) are correct

The correct option is option B.

Explanation for correct option:

1. Prostomium is a word derived from a Greek word that means ‘before the mouth.’
2. Prostomium is like a small lobe structure that overhangs the mouth of an earthworm.
3. It serves as a cutter that helps in opening cracks in the soil.
4. It serves as a sensory device to gather sensory information from the environment.
5. It serves as an overcovering for the mouth.

Final answer: In earthworms, prostomium serves as a covering of the mouth and it helps in opening the cracks in the soil so it can crawl into it and also acts as a sensory structure.