What structure helps toothless earthworms locate food before ingestion?
Answer
prostomium
Since earthworms lack teeth, their method of feeding relies heavily on tactile sensing and muscular action to gather organic debris. The prostomium is a sensitive patch of flesh located at the front end of the worm's body, right near the mouth opening. This structure acts as a primary sensory organ, allowing the worm to probe the surrounding environment, detect suitable food particles, and guide them toward the muscular mouth for intake. After locating the food, it is taken in, mixed with saliva, and then passed down to the pharynx for propulsion toward the gizzard for grinding.
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