Earthworm Dissection Review

Earthworm Kingdom

Animalia

Earthworm Phylum

Annelida

Earthworm Class

Oligochaeta

What benefit do setae give the earthworm in its environment?

They allow the worm to grip the ground as it moves.

Which best describes how an earthworm **moves**?

The worm anchors itself with the help of setae, contracts muscles, and pulls itself forward. Then it elongates and pushes the anterior end forward. This repeats.

After pressing on the **crop and gizzard** to test their firmness, which did you find was softer?

The crop was softer and thinner.

What is the **benefit** of the earthworm having a gizzard?

The gizzard grinds and churns soil, allowing it to pass into the long intestine.

What is the **purpose** of the **cerebral ganglia**?

It processes information sent from nerves and sensory cells.

Which of the following are involved in **reproduction**?

Seminal vesicles, Clitellum, Genital pores

An earthworm can fertilize its own eggs.

False

What is the purpose of the **seminal receptacle**?

It assists with the fertilization process.

Is the earthworm's **circulatory system** open or closed?

Closed

Which **human** organ is similar to the earthworm's **nephridia/metanephridium**?

Kidneys

What is the function of the **nephridia/metanephridium**?

It eliminates nitrogenous wastes and excess water.

How does the earthworm **obtain oxygen**?

Their skin contains small blood vessels that absorb oxygen into their blood.

To continue gas exchange (oxygen in, carbon dioxide out), what must an earthworm **avoid**?

Drying out and extreme heat.