Question

A biologically plausible reason that burrowing earthworms have solid segmental walls but non-burrowing and parasitic annelids often have partial septa is:

a. Enhanced flexibility for burrowing
b. Improved locomotion in water
c. Increased protection from predators
d. Facilitated gas exchange in confined spaces

Answer 1

Segmentation in annelids, including burrowing earthworms and non-burrowing/parasitic annelids, provides advantages such as improved flexibility, specialized locomotion, and protection. Burrowing earthworms have solid segmental walls for enhanced flexibility, while non-burrowing and parasitic annelids often have partial septa for protection and gas exchange in confined spaces.

Step-by-step explanation:

Segmentation is a characteristic feature of annelids, including burrowing earthworms and non-burrowing and parasitic annelids. Segmentation provides several advantages, including improved flexibility for burrowing, specialized locomotion, and protection from predators. For burrowing earthworms, solid segmental walls enhance flexibility, allowing them to move through the soil easily. On the other hand, non-burrowing and parasitic annelids often have partial septa, which provide protection from predators and facilitate gas exchange in confined spaces.