Worm Biology
What is the main function of a worm's setae?
Movement.
What is the term for the role worms play in breaking down organic matter?
Decomposition.
What is the term for a worm's ability to respond to light?
Phototaxis.
Earthworms have natural light sensors in their skin that allow them to sense light and avoid bright light, like the sun, to prevent their skin from drying out.
What is the process by which worms breathe?
Diffusion.
Earthworms do not have specialized respiratory organs like we do; instead, they take in oxygen and expel carbon dioxide directly through their skin. Oxygen diffuses through the earthworm's body surface and diffuses inward to the network of capillaries lying just under the body surface.
What is the name of the process by which worms help mix soil?
Bioturbation.
Bioturbation is the process by which organisms like animals and plants rework soil and sediment, which can have a major impact on the environment.
What is the name of the behavior by which worms move in a specific direction?
Chemotaxis.
In worms, chemotaxis can be studied by observing how they move towards or away from a chemical in their environment. This behavior is important for worms to find food and avoid harmful substances.
What is the name of the phylum that includes earthworms?
Annelida.
What is the name of the type of ecosystem where worms are often found?
Terrestrial ecosystem.
Terrestrial ecosystems are ecosystems that exist on land, and are characterized by low water availability, large temperature fluctuations, and more light and gas availability than aquatic ecosystems. Worms CANNOT live in areas with no water (deserts) or constant snow and ice.
What is the term for a worm's ability to detect vibrations?
Mechanoreception.
Earthworms use mechanoreception to sense touch and other stimuli, and respond with a rapid withdrawal reflex.
What is the term for the worm's body segments?
Annuli.
What is the term for the relationship between worms and microorganisms?
Symbiosis.
Earthworms ingest bacteria while processing soil, which creates a natural bioreactor that breaks down organic matter and breeds beneficial bacteria. The bacteria destroy anaerobic bacteria, fungi, and pathogens. The mineral nutrients in earthworm casts and burrows are easily accessible to plants.
What is the name of the behavior by which worms interact with each other?
Social behavior.
It has been discovered that earthworms tend to herd together and appear to take collective decisions.
What is the name of the worm's nervous system?
Ventral Nerve Cord
The ventral nerve cord allows earthworms to move and respond to light, touch, chemicals, vibrations, and more.
hat is the name of the process by which worms help improve soil structure?
Aggregation.
Earthworms create tunnels in the soil by burrowing, which ________ the soil to allow air, water and nutrients to reach deep within the soil.
Aerates.