Blackworm fACTS

Arthropoda ”jointed foot” Classification Lumbriculus variegatus WOWBug Blackworm EarthWorm Human Kingdom Animalia Phylum Arthropoda ”jointed foot” Annelida “tiny rings” Chordata- has backbone Class Insect Oligochaeta- Oligo= few Chaeta= hairs on each body segment Oligochaeta Mammalia- nurse young

Require Nutrients to Make ATP- How??? Cellular Respiration plants 1. FOOD Fresh water invertebrate that feeds on decaying vegetation (plants) and microorganisms (animals) Where do they live?? 2. BREATHING Through Skin Occurs through the skin of tail> forms right angle at water surface > gas exchange occurs between outside air and pulsating blood vessel   Earthworms??? Where do they live?? soil

Reproduction Hermaphroditic – contain both male and female sex organs [like earthworm] Sexual - not common - Sperm exchanged > produce cocoons containing 4-11 fertilized eggs ; After 2 weeks > new worm emerges about 1 cm in length- Mostly Sexual 2. Asexual- regeneration - can be divided into smaller pieces and form new worm ; difficult to determine life span Clitellum to Rear only Life Span 5-6 years

Nervous System Nerve Cord_- runs entire length of body- located beneath intestines PN, prostomial nerves; CG, cerebral ganglion; n1-n4, segmental nerves 1-4; VNC, ventral nerve cord. Same

Movement : Crawling or Corkscrewing Same Muscles- 2 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 worm to move in corkscrew fashion in water, swimming short distances or crawl through soil  

Digestion/Excretion Same Setae- 2 pairs 2. Chaetae - 2 pairs of bristles located on each segment - used to anchor worm and increase traction - help worm crawl Digestion/Excretion has complete digestive tract including mouth and anus Same

Circulation System - consists of dorsal, ventral and lateral vessels 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- 1. Closed- blood moves through body in vessels [arteries/veins] 2. Open- blood not contained in vessels, blood bathes all internal organs BLACKWORMS & EARTHWORMS HAVE A CLOSED CIRCULATORY SYSTEM 5 Hearts- Aortic Arches Blood pumped from anterior to posterior

Respond to Environment Brain senses light, vibrations Protective Response When at surface of water, tail of worm can detect shadow or sudden vibration [using photoreceptors ] Rapid Reflex- responds by quickly contracting its muscles, withdrawing tail from predator