worm fACTS

Arthropoda ”jointed foot” Blackworm Earthworm Classification Lumbriculus variegatus Lumbricus Terestris WOWBug Blackworm Earthworm Human Kingdom Animalia Phylum Arthropoda ”jointed foot” Annelidia “tiny rings” Chordata- has backbone Class Insect Oligochaeta- Oligo= few Chaeta= hairs on each body segment Clitellata- Having a clitellum Mammalia- nurse young Other annelids: Leeches

Obtain Nutrients/Create energy (cellular respiration) Blackworm Earthworm Fresh water invertebrate that feeds on decaying vegetation and microorganisms invertebrate that live in the soil and eats decaying vegetation (leaves and roots) Breathing/gas exchange Occurs in the tail, it takes in oxygen through skin forms right angle at water surface gas exchange occurs between outside air and pulsating blood vessel   Earthworm 'breaths' through its moist skin. Oxygen from the air dissolves in the moisture on the worms skin and then travels into the skin blood capillaries. 

Reproduction Blackworm Earthworm Nervous System Hermaphroditic – contain both male and female sex organs Sexual – not common Sperm exchanged > produce cocoons containing 4-11 fertilized eggs   After 2 weeks > new worm emerges about 1 cm in length- 2. Asexual- regeneration - can be divided into smaller pieces and form a new worm Difficult to determine life span because constantly regenerating Sexual –common method Sperm exchanged > produce cocoons containing 4-20 fertilized eggs   After 2 weeks > new worm emerges about 1 cm in length- Can happen every 10 days 2. Regeneration but only from clitellum to posterior Lifespan 4-8 years Nervous System Nerve Cord_- runs entire length of body- located beneath intestines

Movement : Crawling or Corkscrewing Muscles Two Layers Line Body - provide movement - controlled by Nerve Cord Circular - around body Longitudinal- length of body   Together cause constricting and lengthening followed by increasing diameter and shortening Allow blackworm to move in corkscrew fashion in water, swimming short distances or crawling through soil   Blackworm Earthworm 2. Chaetae 2 pairs of bristles located on each segment - used to anchor worm and increase traction - help worm crawl 2. Setae 4 pairs located on each segment - used to anchor worm and increase traction - help worm crawl

Digestion/Excretion Has complete digestive tract Blackworm Has complete digestive tract including mouth and anus - Excretes waste gasses through its skin Earthworm

Blackworm Circulation System - consists of dorsal, ventral and lateral vessels How does it work? Contracting muscles around posterior vessel form waves “like opening and closing fist” and move blood from posterior end toward anterior end   Blood flow Starts at posterior end “pulses” through dorsal vessel toward anterior end Returns to tail through ventral vessel no “pulsing” Lateral vessels supply blood to segments Types of Circulatory Systems- a. Closed- blood moves through body in vessels [arteries/veins] b. Open- blood not contained in vessels, blood bathes all internal organs BLACKWORMS HAVE A CLOSED CIRCULATORY SYSTEM

Earthworm Circulation System consists of dorsal, ventral vessels and five hearts/aortic arches How does it work?   Blood flow Starts at anterior end where 5 aortic arches /hearts are located Blood pulses through dorsal and ventral vessels to ward the posterior EARTHWORMS HAVE A CLOSED CIRCULATORY SYSTEM

Respond to Environment Blackworm Earthworm photoreceptors located in the head, used to detect light or vibrations   Protective Response When at surface of water, tail of worm can detect shadow [using photoreceptors ] or sudden vibration photoreceptors – nerve cells that can detect light Rapid Reflex- responds by quickly contracting its muscles, withdrawing tail from predator  

So….. HOW DOES IT?.....