Question

Green glands are excretory organs of (a) Moths (b) Crayfishes (c) Scorpions (d) Spiders

Short answer

The correct answer is (b) Crayfishes

Step-by-step solution

Identify the creature with green glands

Given the options, it's known that green glands are associated with aquatic arthropods, most prominently crayfishes.

Confirm the correct answer

Given the knowledge from step one, we can confirm that the ideal answer is option (b), Crayfishes as this is the creature that has green glands.

Key concepts

Crayfish Anatomy

In exploring the fascinating field of aquatic biology, one distinctive feature that often comes to student's attention is the green gland found in crayfishes. Crustaceans such as crayfish are equipped with specialized structures to survive in their aquatic environment, with the green glands being a prime example of such adaptations.

Crayfish anatomy is complex, which includes a hard exoskeleton for protection and segmentation that illustrates the evolution of arthropods. One of the essential systems in crayfish is the excretory system, which is crucial for maintaining internal balance, also known as homeostasis. The green glands, also referred to as antennal glands due to their location near the base of the antennae, play a pivotal role in this system.

Structure and Function

The green glands are comprised of the end sac, which filters hemolymph (the equivalent of blood in these organisms), and a tubule that expels the waste out of the body from the base of the antennae. These glands not only remove nitrogenous waste but also help in osmoregulation, which is the process of maintaining the proper balance of salts and water within the crayfish's body, a vital function for survival in freshwater habitats.

Aquatic Arthropods

When studying the vast group of animals known as arthropods, it's essential to differentiate between various habitats they inhabit—land, air, and water. Aquatic arthropods, which include crayfish, are particularly interesting due to their adaptations to life in water.

Arthropods, characterized by their jointed limbs, segmented bodies, and exoskeleton, are the most diverse group of animals on Earth. Aquatic arthropods such as crayfish, lobsters, and shrimps, to name a few, have developed specialized structures like gills for breathing underwater and excretory organs such as green glands for eliminating waste from their bodies.

Ecosystem Importance

Beyond individual anatomy, aquatic arthropods play significant roles in their ecosystems. As part of the food web, they are prey for many animals and are also scavengers and predators themselves, contributing to the nutrient cycle. Understanding their biology and anatomy is not only crucial for biological sciences but also for conservation efforts, as these creatures are integral to aquatic ecosystems' health and stability.

NEET Biology

For aspiring medical students in India, topics in biology are of utmost importance for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), especially when diving into the zoology portion of the examination. NEET biology questions often cover the anatomy and physiology of various organisms, including arthropods like crayfish.

NEET examinations test students on their ability to understand and apply concepts, rather than just memorize facts. Recognizing the structure and function of the green glands in crayfish taps into both understanding of evolution and comparative anatomy, which are integral parts of the NEET biology curriculum.

Key Concepts for Success

To succeed in NEET biology, students need to grasp key concepts such as the form and function of organ systems across different species, the principles governing physiological processes, and the adaptations that organisms develop in response to their environment. These fundamentals not only aid in passing the exam but also form the foundation for future medical studies, where knowledge of comparative anatomy and physiology becomes crucial.