Earthworms

                                          
Earthworms help the environment
  • Earthworms help aerate the soil by digging tunnels which help plants and trees get their nutrients, air and water easier.
  • After earthworms eat they produce waste called castings, which is rich in nutrients providing food for animals and microorganisms.
  • Microorganisms help break down the earthworms waste for plants to use.
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Life Cycle of the Earthworm
  • Earthworms have both male and female reproductive organs, but two worms are needed for reproduction to occur.
  • When earthworms mate, a ring forms around the front of the earthworm's body.
  • This ring is called a clitellum which slides down the worm's body to pick up any fertilized eggs.
  • The clitellum falls off the worm to form a nest or egg case that is deposited into the soil where the fertilized eggs become embyos.
  • The embyos (baby worms) grow and develop inside the clitellum.
Fun Facts About the Earthworm
  • The earthworm has five hearts.                                                  
  • The earthworm can not hear or see but can feel vibrations.
  • The earthworm has no lungs and breathes through its skin.
  • If you cut an earthworm's head off it can grow a new one.
  • If an earthworm becomes too dry it can suffocate.
  • An earthworm can detect light.




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