EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -Unlike mammals, earthworms and leeches do not have special respiratory organs like lungs. They have moist skin through which the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place between the body and the atmosphere.

Detailed explanation-2: -In earthworm, the exchange of gases occurs through the moist skin. In fishes it takes place through gills and in insects through the tracheae.

Detailed explanation-3: -Air can easily pass through the skin of an earthworm. The exchange of gases usually takes place through its moist skin and capillaries. In these regions the oxygen gas is picked up by the haemoglobin dissolved in the blood and carbon dioxide is released out.

Detailed explanation-4: -Earthworms breathe in the same way as their aquatic ancestors. They don’t have lungs, but instead breathe through the skin.

Detailed explanation-5: -Leftover soil particles and undigested organic matter pass out of the worm through the rectum and anus in the form of castings, or worm poop.