~ Earthworm-ssection ~
Emily Sanchez ~ Vu PAP Bio ~ p.2
Objectives
Underground Information
Habitat: moist soils where available.
Predators: Moles ,birds , some species of ants, millipedes and various other large insects.
Prey: anything that is dead; earthworms do not hunt.
Niche: earthworms make use of conditions that are best suited to their survival and create spaces in soil (soil dwelling)
Adaptations: streamlined body shape, setae (hairs on each segment in earthworms that help with grip), circular muscles, secreting mucus, sensing vibrations, staying deep in soil (as opposed to out in sunlight), aestivation (if habitat is not comfortable, the earthworm will "sleep it out" until it becomes bearable.)
Dissection
Digestive System
This system cooperates with the endocrine system when glands in the earthworm secrete substances that control the process and aid the digestion.
Earthworms ❤ Humans
Wormy Facts ~~~~~~
- Most earthworms are scavengers that feed on dead organic matter
- All earthworms are hermaphrodites (that is, a single individual can produce both male and female gametes, the eggs and sperm)
- Most earthworms possess amazing powers of repairing body damage caused by predators or by accident (like getting split into pieces by birds)
- The largest earthworm was found in South America and measured 22 feet long!
- Earthworms are the basis of many food chains.
- Earthworms breathe.......without lungs. They breathe through their skin.
- In favorable conditions, worms breed every seven to ten days and can double their population in 90 days.
Sources
(Links were shortened, but will take you to the specific page.)
http://www.sciencelearn.org.nz- Adaptations Page
http://www.sas.upenn.edu- information and diagram of digestive system.