Question:

Assertion (A): If the skin of earthworm is dried with blotting paper, it dies.
Reason (R): Respiratory exchange of gases occurs through moist skin of earthworm.

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Earthworm respiration requires moist skin for diffusion of gases.
Updated On: Jul 18, 2026
  • Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
  • Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A
  • A is true but R is false
  • A is false but R is true
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding earthworm respiration.
Earthworms perform respiration through their body surface. Their skin must remain moist for effective diffusion of gases like oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Step 2: Role of moisture in gas exchange.
Moisture helps dissolve respiratory gases and enables diffusion across the skin. Without moisture, diffusion becomes inefficient or stops completely.

Step 3: Effect of drying skin.
When the skin is dried using blotting paper, the respiratory surface loses moisture. This prevents oxygen uptake and carbon dioxide removal.

Step 4: Outcome on survival.
Due to failure in gaseous exchange, cellular respiration stops, leading to death of the earthworm.

Step 5: Evaluation of A and R.
Both Assertion and Reason are correct, and the reason directly explains why drying the skin leads to death.

Step 6: Final conclusion.
Thus, both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
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