Digestive system of Earthworms: Definition, Characteristics, Classification, Examples, Structure

Earthworm Classification

The earthworm classification belongs to Phylum Annelida and Class Oligochaeta. The earthworm's scientific name is Pheretima posthuma. It is a segmented, coelomate, triploblastic invertebrate that plays a vital role in soil fertility and ecological balance. The classification of earthworms is given below:

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Earthworm Anatomy and Physiology of Digestion

The earthworm digestive system (Class 11 Biology NCERT, NEET notes) is closely linked to its anatomy and physiology. Earthworms (Pheretima posthuma), classified under Phylum Annelida, Class Oligochaeta, have a segmented body. The features are given below:

• An earthworm's body is segmented and contains distinct regions: the head, anterior, segments, clitellum, and tail posterior.

• Each segment consists of setae, small, bristle-like structures that help in movement and anchoring to the soil.

• The body wall is lined with epidermis and circular and longitudinal muscles that line up to help in locomotion by peristalsis.

• It is a fluid-filled cavity found in each segment act as a hydrostatic skeleton. It is useful for movements and space for organ development and functions.

Earthworm Digestion and Absorption: Step-by-Step Process

The earthworm's morphology and anatomy include a complete alimentary canal that processes soil and organic matter efficiently. The step-by-step process of earthworm digestion and absorption is:

The anterior end has a mouth that ingests soil and organic matter. Then comes the muscular pharynx, which plays the role of sucking up food. The pharynx produces mucus and enzymes, which help break down the food a little.

The oesophagus acts like a passage that takes food from the pharynx and passes it into the crop. The oesophagus produces calcium carbonate to neutralise the acidity of the ingested materials.

The crop is the organ which performs the function of a storage unit for food, and hence it regulates the intake of food into the gizzard.

The gizzard is filled with small stones and grit that the earthworm ingests. These organs have thick, strong muscles that pulverise food particles, breaking them down mechanically.

The chief site of digestion and absorption is in the intestine. It has a specialised region with typhlosole, which is a way of unfolding that increases surface area for more efficient nutrient absorption. The intestinal walls secrete enzymes that further break down food particles.

Structure of Digestive System in Earthworm (Alimentary Canal)

The earthworm's alimentary canal works in coordination with the body’s anatomy and physiology, aided by peristaltic movements of circular and longitudinal muscles. The process ensures efficient digestion and absorption, making earthworms vital for soil aeration, nutrient cycling, and decomposition. The structure of the digestive system in the earthworm includes:

• Mouth and Buccal Cavity: Ingestion of soil and organic matter.

• Pharynx: Muscular organ that pushes food forward.

• Oesophagus: Narrow passage connecting pharynx to gizzard.

• Gizzard: A thick, muscular organ that grinds food particles.

• Intestine: The main site of digestion and absorption of nutrients.

• Anus: Expels undigested material, enriching soil fertility.

Digestive Processes in Earthworm

The digestive system of an earthworm involves both mechanical and chemical breakdown of food. The digestive juices of the pharyngeal glands contain enzymes like amylases and proteases that initiate the digestion of carbohydrates and proteins, respectively.

Food is mechanically digested in the gizzard and chemically digested in the intestine. Enzymes break down complex molecules into simpler, absorbable ones.

Nutrient absorption takes place through the wall of the intestine into the bloodstream. It is distributed to other parts of the body, mainly for providing energy, supporting growth, and helping tissues to repair themselves.

Adaptations For Digestion

Earthworms exhibit several adaptations for efficient digestion and absorption:

• Gut bacteria assist in breaking down cellulose and other complex organic compounds, forming a mutualistic relationship that enhances nutrient absorption.

• The long, coiled intestine with typhlosole maximises surface area, ensuring efficient extraction of nutrients from ingested organic matter.

• These adaptations enable earthworms to convert organic matter into humus, releasing essential nutrients into the soil and improving soil fertility, aeration, and nutrient cycling.

Earthworms Ecological Importance

Earthworms (Pheretima posthuma) are rightly called ecosystem engineers because their activities directly modify soil structure and indirectly regulate nutrient cycling. By burrowing into moist soil, they loosen compact layers, improving water infiltration, aeration, and root penetration. This enhances plant growth and development. It maintains soil health.

Their digestion and excretion processes transform organic matter into nutrient‑rich casts. These casts improve soil texture, increase humus content, and release essential minerals such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. As a result, earthworms play a crucial role in soil fertility, decomposition, and nutrient cycling, supporting sustainable agriculture and ecological balance.

MCQs on Earthworm Digestive System

Question: Which of the following is true w.r.t nerve ring of annelids?

1. It is made up of fused ganglia.

2. It is present around the pharynx.

3. Both A and B

4. None of these

Correct Answer: 3) Both A and B

Explanation:

It is composed of fused ganglia: Annelids' nerve rings are composed of fused ganglia. Clusters of nerve cells called ganglia form the nerve ring in annelids such as earthworms, where the nervous system's ganglia fuse.

It surrounds the pharynx: In annelids, the nerve ring surrounds the pharynx or throat region. It coordinates nerve signals like that of a primitive brain.

Hence, the correct answer is option 3)Both A and B.

Question: In the earthworm, the dorsal wall of the intestine from the 26 to 35th segment forms a median internal fold called

1. Trochophore

2. Clitellum

3. Trachea

4. Typhlosole

Correct Answer: 4) Typhlosole

Explanation:

From segments 26 to 35, the intestine of the earthworm exhibits a unique structure called the typhlosole, which is an internal medial fold of the dorsal wall. This adaptation significantly increases the effective surface area for absorption in the intestine, enhancing the efficiency of nutrient absorption from digested food. The typhlosole is a key feature that supports the earthworm's role as a decomposer in the ecosystem.

Hence, the correct answer is option 4) Typhlosole.

Question: The intestine of an earthworm lies between

1. 22-26 segment

2. 20-24 segment

3. 15th to last segment

4. 33- 36 segment

Correct Answer: 3) 15th to last segment

Explanation:

The alimentary canal of an earthworm is a straight tube that extends from the first segment to the last segment of its body. It begins with the buccal cavity, located in segments 1 to 3. The buccal cavity leads to the muscular pharynx, followed by the oesophagus, which spans segments 5 to 7. After the oesophagus, the food passes into the muscular gizzard, located in segments 8 to 9. The stomach is found in segments 9 to 14. The intestines are the main digestive organs, starting from segment 15 and continuing to the last segment. At segment 26, a pair of intestinal caeca (finger-like projections) extends from the intestine. From segments 26 to 35, the intestine features a distinctive structure known as typhlosole, which increases the surface area for nutrient absorption. - The intestines are the major organs that begin from the 15th segment and continue until the last segment.

Hence, the correct answer is option 3)15th to last segment.

Practice More:

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