Nephridia of Earthworms and their functions

Earthworms are segmented worms belonging to the phylum Annelida. They are known for their ability to decompose organic matter and improve soil health. One of the important organs in earthworms is the nephridia, which has several functions.

Functions of Nephridia

The nephridia of earthworms perform the following functions:

1. Excretion: The nephridia are responsible for removing waste materials from the body of the earthworm. They filter the waste from the coelomic fluid and excrete it through the nephridiopores, which are located on the ventral side of the earthworm.

2. Osmoregulation: The nephridia also help in maintaining the osmotic balance in the body of the earthworm. They regulate the concentration of water, salts, and other solutes in the coelomic fluid.

3. Blood filtration: The nephridia filter the coelomic fluid and remove any harmful substances that may have entered the body of the earthworm.

4. Respiration: The nephridia also play a role in respiration. They help in exchanging gases between the coelomic fluid and the environment.

Comparison with other organs

The nephridia of earthworms perform functions similar to other organs in different organisms. They are comparable to:

A) Flame cells of planaria: Flame cells are excretory structures found in flatworms. They are responsible for removing excess water and waste from the body. Like the nephridia, they help in maintaining the osmotic balance in the body.

B) Gills of prawn: Gills are respiratory organs found in aquatic organisms. They help in exchanging gases between the body and the water. Like the nephridia, they also filter waste materials from the body.

C) Trachea of insects: Trachea are respiratory tubes found in insects. They help in exchanging gases between the body and the environment. Like the nephridia, they also play a role in osmoregulation.

D) Nematoblast of hydra: Nematoblasts are stinging cells found in hydra. They are responsible for capturing prey and defending against predators. Unlike the nephridia, they do not perform any excretory or respiratory functions.

E) All of these: The nephridia of earthworms perform functions similar to all the organs mentioned above. They help in excretion, osmoregulation, blood filtration, and respiration.

In conclusion, the nephridia of earthworms are important organs that perform several functions. They help in maintaining the osmotic balance, removing waste materials, and exchanging gases with the environment. They are comparable to several organs in different organisms, including flame cells, gills, trachea, and nematoblasts.

Option a is correct becoz both perform same function i.e. secretion....