Question

How are earthworms good for us? Aren't earthworms just nasty, slimy, and lowly creatures? What if we would kill every earthworm that inhabits Earth? Why are earthworms usually disliked by people? Where is that coming from? Do people keep earthworms as pets? Where do earthworms live? How many are there on Earth? Are there different species of Earthworms? Are they really soil ecosystem engineers as some scientists purport? Why would that be? Why are they mainly inside the soil? What are they doing there? How come they can move fine without legs? Do they need legs for their fossorial life? What eats earthworms? What do earthworms eat? Are they blind animals? Why, or why not?

Answer 1

Earthworms, known as soil ecosystem engineers, consume organic matter and excrete nutrient-rich castings which promote soil fertility and plant productivity. These annelids move through soil by muscular contractions and feed on organic matter and small organisms. Despite some misconceptions, earthworms aren't blind, just have basic light-sensing abilities.

Step-by-step explanation:

Earthworms are often misunderstood creatures. Although they may seem simple and unimportant, they play a key role in the ecosystem. Earthworms are actually known as soil ecosystem engineers due to their crucial role in enhancing soil fertility and improving plant productivity. They do this by consuming organic matter in the soil and producing rich nutrients through their waste, also referred to as castings.

As for their movement, earthworms use muscular contractions to move through the soil. They do not require legs for their fossorial (burrowing) lifestyle. Earthworms primarily live within the soil where they eat small organisms and organic matter. Earthworm's diet, in turn, is utilized by plants, making them crucial participants in organic matter recycling.

Earthworms belong to an animal group known as annelids or segmented worms. There are many different species of earthworms, with varying sizes and habits, all contributing positively to their environments. Certain animals, such as birds and some types of fungi, prey on earthworms. These worms are not usually kept as pets, although they can be used in composting efforts due to their ability to break down organic material quickly.

Contrary to some beliefs, earthworms are not blind, but their light-sensing ability is quite primitive. They are able to discern light from dark but can't form images. Misunderstanding and cultural factors may have led to earthworms being disliked by some people.

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