Question

Difficulty: MediumExcretion and Excretory Organs

A physiological examination of an aquatic invertebrate reveals that metabolic waste elimination and osmoregulation are performed by a pair of specialized excretory structures situated at the base of its antennae. Which organism possesses this excretory system?

  1. Freshwater prawnAnswer
  2. B
    Earthworm
  3. C
    Housefly
  4. D
    Planarian

Answer

The freshwater prawn is the organism that excretes metabolic waste through green glands located at the base of its antennae.
The option specifying the freshwater prawn is correct because crustaceans possess paired green glands (antennal glands) situated near the base of the antennae. These glands collect fluid, reabsorb essential nutrients, and excrete nitrogenous waste (mainly ammonia) directly to the exterior.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the anatomical location and type of excretory structure described in the question stem.
The structure described is located at the base of the antennae, which defines antennal glands or green glands.
Green glands are distinctive excretory organs found specifically at the base of antennae in certain arthropods.
2
Map the identified excretory structure to its corresponding animal group and representative organism.
Green glands are characteristic excretory organs of crustaceans, such as prawns, lobsters, and crayfish.
Different invertebrate phyla rely on distinct excretory structures tailored to their anatomy and habitat.

Key Concept

Excretory structures across invertebrate phyla
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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