Earthworm dissection |
Structure/Function:
The earthworm is a much more complex animal than previous animals we have dissected. It is segmented, our worm had 137 segments, with bilateral symmetry. It has cephalization, extracellular digestion, with a mouth, intestines, crop, and more organs. It has a full, one-way digestive system. The earthworm respires through its skin and has a closed circulatory system.
Ecology:
Earthworms can live in a couple of different ecosystems. The three main ones are topsoil, deep soil, and compost. Earthworms are very sensitive to the temperature and moisture of the soil around them so they change their depth and material according to the season. Earthworms can be decimated by chemicals in the soil so they are often killed off near farms.
The earthworm is a much more complex animal than previous animals we have dissected. It is segmented, our worm had 137 segments, with bilateral symmetry. It has cephalization, extracellular digestion, with a mouth, intestines, crop, and more organs. It has a full, one-way digestive system. The earthworm respires through its skin and has a closed circulatory system.
Ecology:
Earthworms can live in a couple of different ecosystems. The three main ones are topsoil, deep soil, and compost. Earthworms are very sensitive to the temperature and moisture of the soil around them so they change their depth and material according to the season. Earthworms can be decimated by chemicals in the soil so they are often killed off near farms.