Earthworm
Virtual Dissection Lab Pre-Ap Biology Vu P2
Lumbricina moniligastrida
Earthworms are in the order of megadrilacea. They belong to the kingdom Animilia under the phylum Annalidia and subphylum Haplotaxida. Earthworms are characterized by having long segmented bodies, and living in the soil. Earthworms are less common in disturbed environments and need to live in conditions where there is an abundance of water. They are also invertebrates but it maintains structure with fluid filled chambers.
While the earthworm may be quite gross, it helps maintain soil structure by making burrows in the soil.
Objectives
Today will be focused on the digestive system of the earthworm. Focusing mainly on functions and purpose. While understanding the ecological role if earthworms and their habitats.
Earthworm Life Cycle
Earthworms go through a relatively simple life cycle .
Habitat
Earthworms are creatures that live and breed in the soil. They can also live in decaying things like plants or animals. Their brown color allows it to blend in with the environment around it.
Predators
Earthworms have many predators, one in particular is birds like the American Robin.
Evolutionary Relationships of an Earthworm
Earthworm Dissection Tutorial
Earthworm Dissection Lab
Digestive System
pharynx-1 to 6 segments; mixture of soil enters once it is taken in through the mouth.
esophagus-Connecting tube between the pharynx and the crop; aortic arches rap around it.
crop-Storage area for food.
gizzard-Grinds the food before passing it to the intestines.
intestine-Digestion and absorption of the food.
Digestive System at a Glance
The digestive system is parted into many different areas each carrying a specific function. They do not have a stomach so food is stored in the crop then grinder by the gizzard. The function of the earthworms digestive system is to ingest, digest, and absorb the nutrients in the food. Then being processed through the intestine.
Earthworm Quiz
Used to test how well you know your earthworms!