What structures aid earthworm locomotion by gripping the surface?
Answer
setae
Earthworms move through the soil using a combination of muscle contractions within their segmented bodies, but they rely on tiny bristles called setae for traction. These setae are small appendages attached to the external surface of the body segments. When the worm contracts its muscles to stretch forward, the setae on the rear segments anchor against the soil particles, providing the necessary grip to push the body forward, effectively functioning like microscopic grappling hooks that allow the legless creature to propel itself through dense substrate.
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