Why Do Worms Live In Soil?
Worms live in soil as it provides them with the habitat they need for their survival.
- Moisture – Worms need a damp and humid environment to live in. They need moisture to breathe through their skin.
- Protection – The soil offers protection from predators and bad weather conditions.
- Food – Worms feed on decaying plant material and microorganisms in the soil.
- Reproduction – Worms lay their eggs in the soil as they need a safe place for various stages of their lifecycle.
How Do Worms Help Plants?
Worms play a crucial role in the healthy growth of plants in several ways.
- Burrowing and Tunneling – Worms create tunnels in the soil through which water and air can reach the plant roots.
- Superfood for Plants – Worms eat dead or decaying plant material and convert it into nutrient-rich waste, which helps plants grow.
- Interact with Microogranisms – Worms interact with microorganisms to break down organic matter and release nutrients plants need.
- Drainage – Worms help to improve water draining and provide soil stability for plants to grow.
Fun Facts
Here are some fun facts about worms!
- A worm has no hands, legs, or eyes. It moves by contracting and relaxing its muscles.
- There are 2,700 species of earthworms.
- Baby worms hatch from cocoons smaller than a grain of rice.
- Worms can sense light and get paralyzed if exposed to sunlight for long periods.
- The Australian Gippsland Earthworm grows 12 feet long and can weigh 1.5 pounds.
Review
Let’s quickly recap what we learned about worms:
- What kind of environment do worms like to live in? Damp and Humid
- Who do worms eat? Decaying Plant Material and Microorganisms
- What do worms do to help plant roots get air and water? Create Tunnels
- How do worms move? By Contracting and Relaxing Muscles
- How do worms breathe? Through their skin
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