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Earthworm Structure and Functions Explained

The document provides an overview of the structure and function of an earthworm, highlighting its segmented body, coloration, and key external parts such as the clitellum and pygidium. It outlines the earthworm's functions including locomotion, digestion, circulation, respiration, excretion, reproduction, and its ecological role in enhancing soil fertility. The earthworm is characterized as a hermaphroditic organism with a closed circulatory system and plays a vital role in the ecosystem.

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elamaranmanoharan
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6 views2 pages

Earthworm Structure and Functions Explained

The document provides an overview of the structure and function of an earthworm, highlighting its segmented body, coloration, and key external parts such as the clitellum and pygidium. It outlines the earthworm's functions including locomotion, digestion, circulation, respiration, excretion, reproduction, and its ecological role in enhancing soil fertility. The earthworm is characterized as a hermaphroditic organism with a closed circulatory system and plays a vital role in the ecosystem.

Uploaded by

elamaranmanoharan
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Here’s a simple explanation of the structure and function of an earthworm, along with

reference to the parts shown in your diagram 👇

🪱 Structure of Earthworm
 Body Shape: Long, cylindrical, segmented, and bilaterally
symmetrical.
 Color: Brown or reddish due to a pigment called porphyrin.
 Segments: The body is divided into about 100–120 segments called
metameres.
 Body Regions:
1. Preclitellar region – Anterior part before the clitellum.
2. Clitellar region – Contains the clitellum, a thick glandular band
used in reproduction.
3. Postclitellar region – Posterior part after the clitellum.

📍 Important External Parts and Their Functions


Part Structure Function

Prostomiu Acts as a sensory organ; helps to


A small lobe over the mouth
m burrow into soil.

Peristomi
First body segment Contains the mouth opening.
um

Thick, glandular band


Clitellum Secretes cocoon for reproduction.
around 14th–16th segment

Dorsal Small openings between Help in releasing coelomic fluid to


pores segments keep body moist.

Internal wall between Separates internal organs in each


Septum
segments segment.

Contains the anus, through which


Pygidium Last segment of the body
undigested food is expelled.

⚙️Functions of Earthworm
1. Locomotion:
Moves using circular and longitudinal muscles along with tiny bristles called setae.
2. Digestion:
Feeds on soil containing organic matter. Food passes through the mouth → pharynx →
gizzard → intestine → anus.
3. Circulation:
Closed circulatory system with blood vessels. Blood contains hemoglobin dissolved in
plasma.
4. Respiration:
Occurs through moist skin — oxygen diffuses in and carbon dioxide diffuses out.
5. Excretion:
Excretory organs are nephridia, which remove waste from the body.
6. Reproduction:
Earthworm is hermaphroditic (both male and female organs present). The clitellum
helps in cocoon formation for eggs.
7. Ecological Role:
Improves soil fertility by mixing organic and mineral matter — hence called “Farmer’s
Friend.”

Would you like me to make a labelled short paragraph version (for writing in exams)?

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