Question

How do the longitudinal muscles and the circular muscles help the earthworm move through its environment?

1) By contracting and anchoring the setae
2) By expanding and contracting the body segments
3) By secreting mucus to reduce friction
4) By using its bristles to push against the ground

Answer 1

The longitudinal muscles and the circular muscles in earthworms help them move through their environment by expanding and contracting the body segments.

Step-by-step explanation:

The longitudinal muscles and the circular muscles in earthworms help them move through their environment by expanding and contracting the body segments. The longitudinal muscles run lengthwise along the earthworm's body, and when they contract, they lengthen the body and extend the anterior end of the organism. The circular muscles encircle the body segments, and when they contract, they shorten the body and draw the posterior portion of the body forward. This alternating contraction and relaxation of the longitudinal and circular muscles create waves of muscular contractions that allow the earthworm to move through its environment.