The Life of an Earthworm
Earthworm Dissection Vu-PAP Bio-4 Melissa Barbosa
Lumbricus terrestris
Lumbricus terrestris, is a member of the phylum Annelida. It's thin snake-like shape helps it move through the soil. The earthworm forms deep burrows, and comes to the surface to feed. They usually feed on plant material, they have been observed eating dead insects and feces. As material passes through it's digestive system, sand grains in the gizzard help the food to be grind-ed, which is later digested and absorbed in the intestine.
Objective:
In this investigation, students will observe the external and internal structure of an earthworm.
Earthworm Life Cycle
After mating, the eggs are held in a protective cocoon. The baby worms emerge and burrow into the soil, until they become adults.
Habitat
Usually live at or under the surface of soil, but factors that affect their habitat and climate and vegetation. Also live in places containing high organic matter, because they feed on leaf litter, and decaying plants.
Predators
Such predators include farmers,fisherman, snake, birds; rodents and certain type of big insects.
Earthworm External Anatomy
composed of segments
Circulatory System
anus, dorsal-subneural vessel, intestine, dorsal vessel, hearts (aortic arches), mouth, ventral vessel, subneural vessel.
Digestive system
mouth, esophagus, pharynx,crop, gizzard and intestine.
Circulatory System*
Closed circulatory system, circulates blood through vessels. These vessels are the aortic arches, dorsal blood vessels, and ventral blood vessels. The aortic arches function like a human heart. There are five pairs of aortic arches,which pump blood into the dorsal and ventral blood vessels. The dorsal blood vessels are responsible for carrying blood to the front, and ventral blood vessels are responsible for carrying blood to the front.
Website: http://www.discovery.com/tv-shows/dirty-jobs/videos/worm-grunting.htm