Before You Begin
Question #46148
The Question
In Pheretima (earthworm), hemoglobin is produced by blood glands in the 4th, 5th, and 6th segments and is dissolved directly in the blood plasma. If a hypothetical mutation caused these glands to overproduce hemoglobin to vertebrate-like concentrations without packaging it into erythrocytes, which of the following would be the most likely physiological consequence?
Options
- A.
The organism would develop a highly efficient closed circulatory system capable of sustaining a vertebrate-like metabolic rate.
- B.
Severe hyperviscosity of the plasma and excretory collapse due to a massive increase in colloid osmotic pressure.
- C.
Hemoglobin would precipitate in the coelomic fluid, leading to the immediate failure of chloragogen cells.
- D.
The oxygen dissociation curve would shift extremely to the right, preventing oxygen loading at the moist cuticle.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Comparative_Analysis
Sharpen your ability to evaluate multiple scenarios and distinguish between competing potential answers.
Concepts Behind This Question
Plasma_Hemoglobin|Erythropoietin|Vertebrate_Blood
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students memorize the NCERT fact that 'earthworm hemoglobin is dissolved in plasma' but fail to connect it to the biophysical constraints of hemodynamics.
The trap tests the evolutionary necessity of erythrocytes: packaging hemoglobin inside cells allows vertebrates to maintain massive oxygen-carrying capacity without fatally altering plasma viscosity and colloid osmotic pressure.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Animal Kingdom - Class 11 |
| Concept | Annelida Circulatory System |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |