Earthworms are segmented invertebrates that reproduce both asexually through regeneration and fragmentation, and sexually. They are hermaphroditic, containing both male and female organs, and fertilize their eggs internally before depositing them in cocoons. The cocoons hatch after 2-3 weeks to release 4 worms on average. Earthworms have a nervous system segmented along their body, with ganglia at each segment controlling that region, and various sensory receptors along their skin. They are scavengers that feed on dead organic matter in soil and pass nutrients through their digestive systems.
2. Asexual: regeneration/fragmentation
Fragmentation is a self-produced,
mechanical breaking of the organism into two
or more pieces, followed by regenerative
growth of missing parts in each fragment.
3. Hermaphroditic: contain both female and male
organs, produces both sperm & eggs
exchange of sperm occurs between two worms
Mature sperm and egg cells are
deposited in cocoons produced
by the clitellum
ova (eggs) are fertilized by the
sperm cells within the cocoon
The cocoon slips off the worm
and is deposited in or on the soil.
The eggs hatch after about 3 weeks.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IN047
4. Eggs hatch within 2-3 weeks if conditions are
favorable
An average of 4 worms are
produced from each
cocoon
Worms can reproduce
after 12 months
5. The nervous system of the earthworm is "segmented"
just like the rest of the body.
No true "brain" , but cerebral ganglia (dense bundles
of nerves) are located at the anterior (head) end
If these cerebral ganglia are removed, the earthworm
will move continuously.
Each segment has a ganglion which controls only
that segment
Earthworms have touch, light, vibration and chemical
receptors all along the entire body surface.
6. Most earthworms are scavengers that feed on
dead organic matter.
nourishment is extracted from
soil or leaves as they pass through
the gut (digestive sys)
Note: does not require highly developed sense
organs (such as eyes, which would be of little use
underground) or food-catching structures
http://www.austmus.gov.au/factSheets/earthworms.htm
7. urea (a nitrogenous waste product) is excreted
through long tubules called nephridia
Part of these wastes are
picked up from body
tissues and the blood
The urea is expelled through
the pores of the nephridia
Earthworms leave a trail of
this expelled urea called
casings which are full of
nutrients
8. Circulation occurs through a series of closed
vessels.
The two main vessels, pumping structures, are the
dorsal and ventral blood vessels. Although some say that they
have 5 hearts, they are not true hearts.
Capillary beds branch off the main vessels to pick
up or release nutrients and, oxygen
9. 1st Food particles taken in by heterotrophs
are broken down by digestive enzymes into
smaller building blocks usually by hydrolysis
reactions (breaking apart by H2O).
Carbohydrates glucose
Proteins amino acids
Fats fatty acids, glycerol
Nucleic acids nucleotides (n-base, sugar,
phosphate)
10. 2nd These building blocks are then
synthesized into the large molecules needed
by the cell usually through dehydration
reactions (linking together by the removal of H2O).
Glucose + glucose carbohydrates
Amino acid + amino acid proteins
Fatty acids + glycerol fats, lipids
Nucleotide + nucleotide nucleic acids
11. Moist skin is the respiratory organ of the
earthworm
Oxygen and carbon dioxide simply diffuse
through the skin.