CATDOLL : CATDOLL: What is the function of the bristles on the ventral side of earthworms?

Fixation

The bristles on the ventral surface of the earthworm have a fixing function. The ends of the bristles can contact the rough surface of the surrounding environment for support, and coordinate with the circular muscles and longitudinal muscles to complete the movement.

The bristles of earthworms have a fixing function and can assist in the completion of movement. Earthworms are annelids and have no bones. The movement of earthworms is completed by the interaction of the longitudinal and circular muscles and the coordination of the bristles on the body surface. When the earthworm moves forward, the bristles at the back of the body are pinned inside the body and do not move. At this time, the circular muscles contract and the longitudinal muscles relax, and the body stretches forward, so that the earthworm crawls forward.

Earthworms, also known as earthworms, are terrestrial invertebrates of the class Oligochaeta of the phylum Annelida. Earthworms contribute to the material cycle and energy transfer of soil processes through activities such as feeding, digestion, excretion (worm castings), secretion (mucus) and burrowing. They are one of the soil invertebrate groups (mainly earthworms, mites and ants) that have an important influence on multiple processes that determine soil fertility and are known as "ecosystem engineers."

Earthworms are rich in nutrition, reproduce quickly, have a varied diet, and have high yields when cultivated artificially. They have good economic benefits. Earthworms can be used as precious medicines to treat a variety of diseases, and can also be used as high-protein food and feed. Earthworms dig holes to loosen the soil and decompose organic matter, creating good conditions for the growth and reproduction of soil microorganisms. They play a special role in soil improvement, pollution elimination, ecological environment protection, material circulation, biodiversity, etc. At present, many countries use earthworms to treat domestic garbage, organic waste and purify sewage.

Earthworms exist in most ecosystems in the world, but the ocean is a natural barrier for earthworms, and they are rarely seen in deserts and areas with perennial ice and snow. They are mainly distributed in the surface layer of the soil, where organic matter is relatively rich. The structure, pH, water content, and air permeability of the soil are all factors that limit their distribution and number.