Veterinary Science & Technology

Rapid Escape Response - A Behavioral Response on Eisenia fetida

Abstract

Sneha Halwasia, Manasvee Dhanesha, Hanisha Udhani and Keshav Deore

A behavioral assay is described for studying locomotory behavior in annelid Eisenia fetida. This assay presents a method using a gustatory repellant Sodium Chloride (NaCl) to induce a locomotory response in the earthworm. This assay helps us understand the ambulation that is under control of a well co-ordinated nervous system, precisely, the Ventral Nerve Cord. To confirm this a lesion was performed on the nerve cord and functional activity under the repellant was again assayed. Results suggest that an undamaged ventral nerve cord is essential for earthworms’ rapid escape responses.