Classification
Do earthworms have a backbone? Related to this, they are called _______________.
Invertebrates
What do earthworms eat?
nutrients found in soil
Where do leaches live?
warm, shallow water with little current
#1
Psalm 119:11
What do “free living” and “parasitic” mean?
A parasitic creature (that is, a parasite) is one that lives off another, usually larger creature (a host) for a prolonged period of time. The parasite gains benefit from the relationship while the host is harmed. The "prolonged" portion of this definition distinguishes the predator/prey relationship from the parasite/host relationship. It also excludes brief relationships such as a mosquito bite. Examples of parasites include leeches, tapeworms, and nematodes.
A free-living creature is any creature that is not a parasite.
What kingdom are worms found in?
Animal kingdom
True or False
Earthworms can regenerate.
True
They can regenerate a lost tail. However, if the front end of the worm (where major organs are located) is damaged, they cannot regenerate.
How are leaches classified based on what they eat?
Carnivores
"Some are predatory, feeding on a variety of invertebrates such as worms, snails, insect larvae, crustaceans, while a very few feed on the blood of vertebrates such as amphibians, reptiles, waterfowl, fishes, and mammals (including humans)."
#2
Deuteronomy 28:39
What organ do earthworms use to absorb oxygen?
They use their skin (epidermis).
List the categories used in classifying animals (starting with kingdom and ending with species).
Kingdom
Phylum
Class
Order
Family
Genus
Species
How long can the longest species of earthworm get?
Giant Gippsland earthworm
over three meters (almost ten feet)
How are leaches harmful to humans?
Bites | risk of infection
#3
Job 7:5
They don't have traditional eyes. However, they do have photosensitive cells called “light cells of Hess”.
Name the 3 major phyla that contain worms.
Annelida (segmented worms)
earthworms / leaches
Nematoda (roundworms)
Many are parasitic.
Platyhelminthes (flatworms)
Many are free living.
What are the tiny claw-like bristles called on earthworms? These structures help with movement.
setae
How are leaches helpful to humans?
Used in medicine.
#4
What behavior do birds do in order to catch worms?
What phylum are earthworms included in?
Phylum Annelida
Is an earthworm's circulatory system open or closed?
Earthworms have 5 pairs of aortic arches with valves that pump blood throughout the earthworm's circulatory system.
Leaches secrete hirudin in their saliva when they bite. What type of chemical is this?
anticoagulant
#5
Acts 12:20-23
Fertilized earthworm eggs are released into the environment in a capsule called a __________.
cocoon