The life of an earth worm
Hebelen Repreza PAP Bio p.6 Ms.Guzman
Lumbricus Terrestris
The earthworm is a member of the phylum Annelida. An earthworm is well-adpted to a life of burrowing through the soil. Its stremlined shape helps it move through the soil. The mucus coating helps oxygen pass through the earthworm's skin while it is in the air or underwater. The earthworm moves through the soil by sucking the soil in its path into its mouth with the aid of its muscular pharynx. As material passes through the tube-like digestive system, sand grains in the gizzard help grind the food, which is then digested and absobed in the intestine.
Objective
To observe the external and internal structure of the earthworm. Also know its predator,habitat, niche, and ecological adaptations.
Predators
There are various types of predators but here are some of them:Moles ,birds ,
Some species of ants,scorpions,Millipedes
and various other large insects ,
Raccoons ,armadillos ,groundhogs(gophers),chipmunks,and monkeys. All these little criters eat the poor worm population :(
Some species of ants,scorpions,Millipedes
and various other large insects ,
Raccoons ,armadillos ,groundhogs(gophers),chipmunks,and monkeys. All these little criters eat the poor worm population :(
Habitat
These slimy creatures live mostly in the underground soil.
Niche and ecological adaptations
An important adaptation for the movement of the worm are the setae. These are tiny bristles which cover the body of the worm and enable the worm to grip the soil as it passes through. This really helps the worm moves through the soil quickly without slipping. The earthworm eats decaying matter in the soil. The earthworm plays an important role in soil ecology and are a source of food for many animals
The digestive system of an earthworm :)
The food particles and soil go through a long esophagus into a round organ called a crop. The crop stores the food temporarily. Then it is forced into a very muscular organ called the gizzard. The gizzard contracts and expands, causing grains of sand and food to rub together. In this way, the food is ground up. Food is digested in the intestine, which stretches from segment 19 to the end of the worm. Here enzymes chemically break down the food. Then the digested food is absorbed by the blood circulating through the intestine walls.