Earth worm disection
Vu-PAP-BIO-1st period
Earth worm
The earthworm (a.k.a lumbricina) is a segmented organism which is commonly found living in soil. It mostly feeds on live or dead organic matter, the main contribution of earth worms to their environment is making the soil richer in nutrients thus allowing the plants to grow. Earthworms fall into three main niche groupings: compost and soil surface dwellers, topsoil dwellers and subsoil dwellers.
Tools used in disection
For this lab you will need: Scissors to cut open to worm, gloves to make sure you don't get contaminated, nails to secure the worm in place and you'll also need a camera to take pictures of the dissection.
Earthworm facts
Life of an earthworm
An earthworm develops in a cocoon which the parent lays. After the cocoon hatches the worm then proceeds to get enough nutrients to be able to grow. After the worm is an adult it mates with another worm. Which starts the cycle over.
Habitat of a earthworm
Most earthworms are terrestrial creatures which means they live on land. Earthworms are most commonly found living in cultivated soils such as pasture, croplands, and lawns. Although some may be found on top of trees or living in in saturated waters.
Predators
The most common predators of earthworms include birds, snakes, rodents, and even humans who use earthworms as bait.
Dissection process
Dissection in progress....
- Step 1.) Make sure you have gloves on this is to ensure your safety and your lab partners safety.
- Step 2.) Grab your scissors and make cut near the earthworm's mouth. After you've made the cut keep cutting till you get to the middle of the earthworm.
- After you've cut the earthworm open get your nails and nail down the two skin flaps of the worm( this is so you can see the inside). Then take pictures with your camera and try to find all of the earthworm's organs.
Post dissection
After you're done dissecting the worm make sure you dispose of it properly, the clean up your lab station area, put all your tools back and wash your hands with antibacterial soap to make sure you kill all of the germs.
Objectives
The objectives of this lab were to learn about the internal organ structure of an earthworm.
Be able to conduct a dissection using the proper tools and procedures, and to learn more about earthworms.
Earthworm body parts
Prostomium: a light sensitive upper lip that pushes food into the mouth
Setae: 4 pairs of bristles on each segment except the first and last which assist the earthworm in moving and clinging to the walls of it's burrow.
Clitellum: A conspicuous swelling involved in the animal's reproduction.
Anus: The opening of the intestine
Mouth: opening at the anterior end of worm.
Pores: Exude a fluid that protects the worm's surface.
Ventral surface: Upper part of earthworm's body.
Septum: Wall of earthworms body