An earthworm is a soil-dwelling terrestrial invertebrate that belongs to the phylum Annelida. The term is the common name for the largest members of the class (or subclass, depending on the author) Oligochaeta.

The earthworm is one of the most important creatures on earth and one that engineers the very foundations of the ecology we live in. They’re slimy, wriggly, subterranean critters, but they do more for us than we realise!

Earthworms help to fertilise the soil by bringing nutrients closer to the surface. Earthworms are widespread in Britain and Europe. They have been introduced to most parts of the world. They live in soil at depths of up to 2 metres and feed on decaying organic matter in the soil.

2025年1月30日 · Earthworm, any one of more than 1,800 species of terrestrial worms of the class Oligochaeta (phylum Annelida)—in particular, members of the genus Lumbricus. Seventeen native species and 13 introduced species (from Europe) occur in the eastern United States, L. terrestris being the most common.

2024年5月27日 · What is an earthworm? It is an invertebrate animal that is a member of the Annelida phylum and the Opisthopora order. Its anatomy is the familiar, slimy segmented tube.

Learn all you wanted to know about common earthworms with pictures, videos, photos, facts, and news from National Geographic.

2015年1月18日 · Earthworms are animals in the phylum Annelida, along with leeches. The name comes from the Latin anellus for “little ring,” a reference to the many segments of their bodies. Today about 2,700 species are known to exist, and they’re found on …

Earthworms are vital to soil health and to plants growing in it because they transport nutrients and minerals from below to the surface via their waste. An earthworm can eat up to a third of its...

2024年4月12日 · Earthworms, commonly known as nightcrawlers, are complex organisms that play a vital role in the ecosystem. Their classification within the biological hierarchy is detailed and sequential, providing a comprehensive understanding …

2013年9月5日 · Earthworms are among the most visible of soil organisms and have received considerable attention. They play a pivotal role in maintaining the productivity of our soils. This makes understanding these lowly animals and finding ways to make them thrive very important.