Earthworm
Are you ready for
spring? I believe most
will agree that spring is a
welcome season. After a long winter of the messy stuff;
I’ll not spoil the mood by mentioning the obvious words
that keep us from moving into the spring atmosphere.
C
Scientifically, the earthworm is classified in the
phylum Annelida, and they range in size from just
a few millimeters to more than three feet in length,
although most species measure a few inches in length.
The Biology of the Earthworm
One of the most obvious features of the earthworm’s
body is its segmentation, which is not just an external
feature but also occurs through almost all its internal
structure. The head, of the earthworm is made up of
the prostomium, which is a lip-like extension situated
in front of the mouth, which it uses to force its way
into the soil.
Each of the segments in its body has hairy structures,
known as setae, which can be extended as well as
retracted, and are used for locomotion. The absence of
other locomotive structures, apart from setae, enables
the earthworm to burrow efficiently into the soil. Plus,
there are glands in its skin which secrete mucus which
help in keeping the earthworm lubricated, which again
helps the earthworm to burrow easily through the soil
and also aids in stabilizing casts and burrows.
The earthworm has no eyes; instead, it has cells
that are sensitive to light on its outer skin. These cells
enable the earthworm to detect light as well as the
changes in the intensity of light. The cells of the skin
are sensitive to chemicals and touch as well. Especially
when you put it on a fish hook, they really move but I
guess you would, too!
The earthworm does not have any lungs either
and it breathes by oxygen being diffused into its body
continued on next page
“A gentle, caring approach to foot & ankle care.”
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Including treatment of ingrown
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Page 53
B O T T L E C A P S
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T O B L E R O N E R
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by
Melissa E O
Byler on
page 13. H E R S H E Y S 7 U P
Solution
to the
on
Phone: 260-463-4901 • Fax 888-439-6528 • The Hometown Treasure
The Earthworm
We can start to see these slimy creatures in our soil
as we prepare for our spring gardens and I thought I
would give a better understanding and to learn more
about them.
I believe it was Charles Darwin who first recognized
the earthworm’s importance, describing them as
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