A Day In The Life Of a Earthworm
By Paul N. and Abhiram K
Background Info
Earthworms are very interesting invertebrates. They are mostly only a few inches (7-8 centimeters) but some can grow up to 14 inches or 35 centimeters. Earthworms bodies are made up of ring-like segments called annuli. These segments are covered in setae. Setae are small bristles on the worm which helps it move and burrow into the dirt. They also use contracting muscles. The worms first segment is it's mouth. As they burrow they consume soil, and extract the nutrients from decomposing matter like leaves and roots. They also burrow around the soil allowing oxygen to get through
Everyday Life
Earthworms Are sometimes called night crawlers for a reason. They are usually seen feeding on the surface at night. Throughout the day earthworms will burrow through the ground and feed at night. Earthworms live underground and don't come to the surface until they need to. The reason is that they are a source of food for many animals such as birds,rats,and toads.They don't have eyes but they have light and touch sensitive organs (receptor cells). These cells help them feel vibrations in the ground, which let them escape from predators. They usually stay in their habitat which is in rich soil or anywhere underground. They adapt to their environment in lots of ways. They coat themselves in mucus so that they can allow oxygen to flow in through their skin and into their bloodstream. When they digest the materials they poop it out they are called worm castings.
Habitat
They live in soil that they burrow in.
Life Style
Burrow all day underground and stay away from predators. Feed at night.
Food
Earthworms eat decaying animals and roots and plants. Sometimes banana peels.
Fun Facts
The largest earthworms was 22 feet and was found in Africa.
Worms are cold blooded animals
There are aproximatly 2700 different species of worms
Earthworms can regrow lost body parts and segments
Baby worms hatch and are born at about the size of a rice grain
Earthworms can eat their weight in one day.