Question

Approximately 30yrs ago a small flatworm native to new Zealand was accidentally introduced into Ireland. the flatworm lives in the soil where it catches live earthworms. it secretes digestive enzymes into them and then sucks up the soluble digested material. the flatworm takes about half an hour to digest a single earthworm.

a) explain the feeding relationships between the flatworm and the earthworm.

b) the feeding method of the flatworm is an example of extracellular digestion. explain why.​

Answer 1

a) The flatworm is a predator that feeds on the earthworm, which makes it a consumer in the feeding relationship. The earthworm is the prey, and it is being consumed by the flatworm. The flatworm secretes digestive enzymes into the earthworm, breaking down the earthworm's tissue and absorbing the nutrients.

b) The feeding method of the flatworm is an example of extracellular digestion because the digestive enzymes are secreted outside the flatworm's body, in the earthworm's body. The soluble nutrients resulting from the digestion of the earthworm are then absorbed by the flatworm. In contrast, intracellular digestion occurs when the food is taken into a cell and digested inside the cell. In extracellular digestion, the digestive enzymes are secreted outside the body of the organism, and the nutrients are absorbed into the organism's body.