Question

Pheretima and its close relatives derive nourishment from

• A. Sugarcane roots
• B. Decaying fallen leaves and soil organic matter
• C. Soil insects
• D. Small pieces of fresh fallen leaves of maize

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Decaying fallen leaves and soil organic matter

Pheretima feeds on decaying matter in soil and makes soil porous by swallowing it and excreting soil as small pellets. This activity of earthworm aerates the soil and makes the organic matter decay faster. The intestine specifically helps in the digestion of complex substances into simple ones. Intestine secretes pepsin to digest proteins, amylase to digest polysaccharides, cellulase to digest cellulose, and lipase to digest fats. So, the correct answer is option B.