What feature allows for efficient peristaltic movement in the elongated, soft body of a wormlike creature?
Answer
Wave-like muscular contractions
Peristaltic movement is the mechanism that enables organisms with an elongated form to move efficiently, particularly through low-resistance environments like sediment or water columns. This movement is characterized by a series of wave-like muscular contractions that move along the body. This process is biomechanically efficient, requiring relatively low energy expenditure for locomotion while allowing the organism to push its body forward or squeeze through tight spaces in the substrate.
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