Question

Answer the following:

(i) What is the function of nephridia?

(ii) How many types of nephridia are found in earthworm based on their location?

Answer 1

(i) Nephridia are segmentally arranged excretory organs present in earthworms.

(ii) On the basis of their location, three types of nephridia are found in earthworms. They are:

(a) Septal nephridia: These are present on both sides of the inter-segmental septa behind the 15^th segment. They open into the intestines.

(b) Integumentary nephridia: These lie attached to the body wall from the third segment to the last segment, which opens on the body surface.

(c) Pharyngeal nephridia: These are present as three paired tufts in fourth, fifth, and sixth segments.