Earthworms: How Do They Move Underground?
Earthworms are well-known creatures, particularly in rural areas. On average, earthworms range from 10 to 35 cm in length. They play a crucial role in agriculture by aerating the soil and enhancing its fertility. Additionally, earthworms serve as food for livestock and poultry. Despite being invertebrates, they possess the ability to navigate through the soil. So, how exactly do earthworms move?
Preparing to Crawl
Earthworms have a tubular body structure that is segmented externally with corresponding internal segments, usually featuring stiff bristles on all segments.
Initially, earthworms must extend the front part of their body using their muscles. As the front segment elongates, a structure resembling bristles (called setae) protrudes from the front of the earthworm and anchors itself into the soil. At this point, the setae act like an anchor, allowing the earthworm to pull its rear end forward.
Contracting to Inflate the Head and Retract the Tail
Once the rear of the body has moved forward, the earthworm retracts the setae at the front and embeds the setae from its rear into the ground. Now, the setae from the back serve as an anchor, enabling the earthworm to push its front section forward. This process is repeated, allowing the earthworm to move. It can be observed that earthworms’ movement through the soil is facilitated by the elasticity of their bodies combined with muscular contractions throughout their entire length.
