Q. With reference to ‘earthworms’, which of the following statements is/are correct ?
1. Earthworms improves soil fertility and are known as farmer’s friends.
2. Earthworm has two pair of hearts.
Select the correct answer from the code given below :
a) Only 2
b) Neither 1 nor 2
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Only 1
Correct Answer: d) Only 1
Question from UPPSC Prelims 2025
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct: Earthworms improve soil structure and fertility by burrowing, aeration, and producing nutrient-rich castings; hence they are popularly called the farmer’s friend (and nature’s ploughman).
Statement 2 is incorrect: Earthworms do not have only two pairs of hearts; they possess multiple heart-like aortic arches—typically five pairs in Lumbricus and four pairs in Pheretima—so certainly more than two. Therefore, only Statement 1 is correct.
