What function does the true coelom, or fluid-filled body cavity, serve in Annelids?
Answer
It aids in circulation and locomotion.
The true coelom is a major evolutionary advancement present in Annelids, representing a fully developed, fluid-filled body cavity that is lined by mesoderm. This internal space is not merely filler; it provides a hydrostatic skeleton, which is crucial for locomotion, allowing the segmented muscles to operate effectively against internal fluid pressure to generate movement. Furthermore, this fluid-filled space facilitates essential biological functions, most notably circulation, enabling the transport of nutrients, gases, and waste products throughout the organism's body, a system superior to the simple diffusion methods found in less complex invertebrates.
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