Earthworms For Great Soil

Earthworm is one of the slimiest creatures in this world. Though it looks so icky and repulsive on the outside, it is extremely useful for a human being. Earthworms improve the quality of the soil in which they reside. Apart from that, earthworms are also a source of food for many other creatures, like birds, rats and toads. They can survive in almost any type of soil, the only condition being that it should be moist, and thus, can be found throughout the world.

Interesting & Amazing Information on Earthworms

• Earthworms can survive only in moist soil. However, too much moisture is also not good for them.

• Earthworms are hermaphrodites i.e. a single individual has both female and male organs.

• An earthworm can replace or replicate lost segments. However, the extent of this ability depends upon the species as well as the amount of damage.

• Earthworms usually come out of the dirt after excessive rain storms, since the soil becomes too moist for them to survive.

• Earthworms can be found in almost every type of soil. At the same time, their number greatly increases with the improvement in the health of the soil.

• An earthworm does not have lungs. Rather, it breathes through its skin.

• There are basically four types of earthworms - Nightcrawlers, Garden Worms, Manure Worms and Red Worms.

• After digestion, earthworms produce excrement that is about the same size as a pin head.

• In times of drought, an earthworm can dig deep into its burrow, which can be as deep as six feet.

• Roto-tilling of the soil can be harmful to earthworms.

• Even though earthworms are hermaphrodites, they need to mate with another worm to produce offspring.

• Earthworms do not have eyes, but are extremely light sensitive.

• An earthworm can consume as much as one third of its body weight in a single day.

Source: I Love India.com
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