The hydrostatic skeleton of the earthworm allows it to move around in its environment by ________.
A) walking on its limbs
B) swimming with its setae
C) using peristaltic contractions of its circular and longitudinal muscles
D) alternating contractions and relaxations of its flagella

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The hydrostatic skeleton of an earthworm refers to its fluid-filled body cavity that is surrounded by circular and longitudinal muscles. By contracting and relaxing these muscles in a coordinated manner, peristaltic movements are generated that push and pull the earthworm along in its environment. Walking on limbs or swimming with setae are not the primary modes of locomotion for an earthworm, and they do not have flagella.

The Hydrostatic Skeleton of the Earthworm Allows It to Move