Question

1. earthworms and mealworms have a somewhat similar appearance since they both have a long narrow body which is useful for burrowing through soil (earthworms) or grain (mealworms). does the similar appearance of earthworms and mealworms mean that they are closely related evolutionarily? _ yes _ no how do you know whether earthworms and mealworms are closely related evolutionarily?

Explanation:

Similar appearance (convergent evolution) doesn't imply close evolutionary relation. Earthworms are annelids, mealworms are beetle larvae (arthropods). Taxonomic classification (phylum - annelida vs. arthropoda) shows they're distantly related.

Answer:

no
Earthworms are annelids (phylum Annelida), while mealworms are the larval stage of beetles (phylum Arthropoda). Their similar body shape is due to convergent evolution (similar environmental pressures - burrowing) rather than common ancestry. Taxonomic classification (differing phyla) indicates they are not closely related evolutionarily.