2012 AIPMT-PRE Structural Organisation in AnimalsEarthworm Easy Question 1 of 6 in Earthworm

Pheretima and its close relatives derive nourishment from

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

The answer is C.

Solution

Pheretima is an earthworm. Earthworms feed on decaying fallen leaves and the organic matter mixed with soil.
They are detritivores and pass the soil through their gut, which improves soil fertility.

Concept Feeding in earthworm

Earthworm in past papers

6 questions from this chapter have appeared across 4 exam years.