Question

Pheretima and its close relative derive nourishment from
A. Sugarcane roots
B. Decaying fallen leaves and soil organic matter
C. Soil insects
D. Small pieces of fresh fallen leaves of maize etc.

Answer 1

Hint:- One can say that a genus of earthworms which is found frequently in New Guinea
and parts of Southeast Asia is known as the Pheretima. We can say that Pheretima is a Species that
belong to the genus Pheretima. It contains a clitellum, which is a posse of glandular tissue extent on
segments 14 to 16. These individuals are said to be hermaphroditic. Also, the mode of their
reproduction can be either sexual or parthenogenetic.

Complete step-by-step solution:-
The Pheretima and its close relatives are said to derive their nourishment from decaying organic
matter found in the soil. It is the fact that they sometimes feed on the bits of plants and animal
matter. The intestine of these organisms is specially designed to help in the digestion of complex
substances into simple ones. The glands present in their intestine secretes different types of a
hormone to support it. Pepsin is released to digest proteins. The amylase is released to digest
polysaccharides. The pepsin cellulase to digest cellulose. The lipase to digest fats.
The sugarcane roots are not consistent everywhere where the earthworms present. So, they may
not be reliable food for them. The earthworms have no capacity to digest the soil insects. The small
pieces of fresh fallen leaves of maize cannot be absorbed as food by the earthworms.
Thus, the correct answer is ‘Decaying fallen leaves and soil organic matter’.

Note:- We need to know that the Pheretima are commonly nocturnal, just like the most earthworms, and have a repugnance towards the light. They emerge out of the soil only during the night. They feed themselves and reproduce only at night. Like most earthworms, they essentially keep their body surface drizzly to inhale. They are popularly known as farmer’s friends since they help in making the soil permeable for easy irrigation.