Read the following passage carefully and answer the given questions.
The earthworm is referred to as the farmer's friend. This is because they help in the breakdown of complex organic matter as well as in loosening of soil. Similarly, decomposers break down complex organic matter into inorganic substances like carbon dioxide, water and nutrients and the process is called decomposition. Dead plant remains such as leaves, bark, flowers and dead remains of animals, including fecal matter, constitute detritus, which is the raw material for decomposition. Some of the steps in the process of decomposition are fragmentation, catabolism, leaching, humification etc.
Which one of the following is not associated with earthworm as 'farmer's friend'?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → It reduces the quality of crops and soil
Option (1) It reduces the quality of crops and soil — Not associated with the earthworm as ‘farmer’s friend’. The earthworm is called the farmer’s friend because it improves the soil. A worm that lowered the quality of crops and soil would be the farmer’s enemy, not his friend.
Option (2) Faecal matter adds into fertility of soil — Associated with the earthworm as ‘farmer’s friend’. The earthworm passes out what it has eaten as small castings. These castings are rich in nutrients, so they make the soil more fertile.
Option (3) It helps with the breakdown of complex organic matter — Associated with the earthworm as ‘farmer’s friend’. The earthworm is a detritivore. It breaks dead leaves and other detritus into small pieces, which bacteria and fungi then decompose faster.
Option (4) It helps to loosen soil. — Associated with the earthworm as ‘farmer’s friend’. The earthworm makes burrows as it moves through the soil. Loose soil lets air and water reach the roots more easily.
Note: This passage is taken from NCERT as it is. Most CUET (UG) questions come straight from NCERT, so study the book line by line, including figures and their titles.