Earth Worm Lab
Comparative Structure and Functions:
The phylum Annelida was able to advance in complexity because annelids were able to develop segmentation, organs, specialized cells and tissues, and a one way digestive tract. Segmentation in grasshoppers enabled different sections of the body to perform different specialized task. These tasks would not be possible without the development of specialized tissues and cells. The introduction of organs also allowed for specialized tasks that could not be done in previous phyla. The one way digestive tract enabled more efficient food transfer that has allowed annelids to be successful for millions of years.
Taxonomy:
Members of the phylum Annelida, known as annelids, are worms with segmented bodies, with a true coelom that is lined with tissue. Annelids include earthworms, leeches, sandworms, and bloodworms. These organisms are separated into three classes: Oligochaeta, Hirudinea, and Polychaetes. Oligochaeta is a class including annelids with streamlined bodies and relatively few setae compared to Polychaetes. These organisms are long, pinkish brown worms also known as earthworms. Hirudinea is a class containing leeches. These creatures are typically parasites that suck the blood and body fluids of their hosts. The last class in the phylum is Polychaetes. This class contains marine annelids that have paired, paddlelike appendages tipped with setae. These organisms live in coral reefs, sand and mud, or even in open water.
Ecology:
Earth worms are important in nature. They were noted as far back as Greece. Aristotle called them the intestines of earth. He was so fascinated with them he wrote a book on them. Many Annelids spend their lives burrowing through soil aerating it and mixing it. The tunnels the worms make allow trails for water and plants to go through. They pull plant matter through the soil and they grind it partially digest and mix it. Earth worms feces are rich in potassium phosphorus beneficial bacteria and micronutrient. Earthworm are beneficial to many creatures' diets, and the ecosystem would be harmed without them.
The phylum Annelida was able to advance in complexity because annelids were able to develop segmentation, organs, specialized cells and tissues, and a one way digestive tract. Segmentation in grasshoppers enabled different sections of the body to perform different specialized task. These tasks would not be possible without the development of specialized tissues and cells. The introduction of organs also allowed for specialized tasks that could not be done in previous phyla. The one way digestive tract enabled more efficient food transfer that has allowed annelids to be successful for millions of years.
Taxonomy:
Members of the phylum Annelida, known as annelids, are worms with segmented bodies, with a true coelom that is lined with tissue. Annelids include earthworms, leeches, sandworms, and bloodworms. These organisms are separated into three classes: Oligochaeta, Hirudinea, and Polychaetes. Oligochaeta is a class including annelids with streamlined bodies and relatively few setae compared to Polychaetes. These organisms are long, pinkish brown worms also known as earthworms. Hirudinea is a class containing leeches. These creatures are typically parasites that suck the blood and body fluids of their hosts. The last class in the phylum is Polychaetes. This class contains marine annelids that have paired, paddlelike appendages tipped with setae. These organisms live in coral reefs, sand and mud, or even in open water.
Ecology:
Earth worms are important in nature. They were noted as far back as Greece. Aristotle called them the intestines of earth. He was so fascinated with them he wrote a book on them. Many Annelids spend their lives burrowing through soil aerating it and mixing it. The tunnels the worms make allow trails for water and plants to go through. They pull plant matter through the soil and they grind it partially digest and mix it. Earth worms feces are rich in potassium phosphorus beneficial bacteria and micronutrient. Earthworm are beneficial to many creatures' diets, and the ecosystem would be harmed without them.