Question

Darwin observed earthworm behavior where a worm would seize a leaf fragment by its narrow end in order to pull the leaf into its burrow. This behavior is:

a. Nest-building
b. Food storage
c. Territorial marking
d. Defensive strategy

Answer 1

The behavior of earthworms pulling leaves into their burrows observed by Darwin is a form of food storage, which is associated with their feeding habits as deposit feeders.

Step-by-step explanation:

The behavior Darwin observed where an earthworm seizes a leaf fragment by its narrow end to pull it into its burrow is related to food storage.

Earthworms are deposit feeders that consume soil and extract organic matter from it. The act of pulling leaves into their burrows is part of their process to collect and decompose organic material, which they later consume. This behavior is essential for their survival and is not related to nest-building, territorial marking, or a defensive strategy.