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.

Choose the correct answer from the options given below.

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

Answer 1

The correct option is B (a), (b) and (c) are correct

The body of the earthworm is divided into segments both externally and internally.

The first segment of the earthworm is called the peristomium (buccal segment).

The mouth is present in the first segment of the earthworm and it is covered by a fleshy lobe called prostomium.

Prostomium is sensory in nature and serves as a wedge to force open cracks in the soil as the earthworm burrows.

Hence, statement d is incorrect.