NEET BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -In leeches, the body is divided metamerically into 33 somites.

Detailed explanation-2: -A leech’s body have 33 segments, out of this 33 segments, first 5 segments are fused to form the anterior sucker, eyes, and the mouth, followed by the middle 21 segments and the later 7 segments fused to form the posterior sucker.

Detailed explanation-3: -Leeches are characterized by 33 or 34 segments, no chaetae or septa, totally reduced parapodia, unpaired male and female genital openings in the region of the glandulose belt called the clitellum, two pairs of suckers, and other characteristics.

Detailed explanation-4: -All leeches have 34 body segments. The length of the body ranges from minute to about 20 cm (8 inches) or even longer when the animal stretches. Leeches occur primarily in fresh water and on land. Members of the order Rhynchobdellida occur in the sea as well as in fresh water.

Detailed explanation-5: -The segments of leech are known as Metameres (somites).