Earth worms are snake like creatures which we all have seen, but do you know these snake like creatures are domesticated? And obviously, when human domesticate a creature, it means it provides benefits to them. So let's understand how human get benefits from earth worms? What is the role played by earth worm in nature, and will their extinction effect the environment?
Earth worms are mostly found in Europe, North America and Western Asia. There are 7000 species of earth worms worldwide, and each species has similar significance. The body structure of earth worm is thick cylindrical tube like. The largest species of earth worm is called Megascolides Australis, and it is clear from the name that it is found in Australia. The length of this earth worm is around 2 meters. Earth worms are shy to humans. They mostly live in hibernation and comes out only at nighttime. But they have an important role in ecosystem.
Importance of earth worm
1. Earth worms maintain Soil texture
Earth maintain pours texture of soil, because when they move in and out from the soil, they continuous work to make the Soil pours. Due to this activity, the air and water are easily absorbed by the Soil.
2. Earth worms are craft persons of soilÂ
All those creatures that help in creating, modifying, and fixing a habitat in nature are called ecosystem engineers. Earth worms are also such engineers because the engineers the soil habitat for survival of other small creatures.
3. Earth worms poop is important for soil
The poop of earth worm is called worm cost. And this worm cost is highly important for soil. Because the poop of earth worm is highly rich in sulfur, iron, potassium and phosphorus nutrients. This poop is used as a fertilizer for plants growth, which is very beneficial. Not only this, but due to the earth worm poop, the water holding capacity of soil is also increased. And this is the reason that people domesticate them because they naturally condition, the soil of gardening and agriculture.
4. Earth worms are an important part of the food chainÂ
Earth worms are also an important part of the nutritious cycle. Because these worms are the source of food for several other creatures. They are food for small rodents, moles, hedgehog, beetles and snakes.
5. Earth worms are nitrogen fixers
Nitrogen is an important macro nutrient for plants growth. But plants aren't capable to absorb nitrogen directly from the atmosphere. That's why they take the help from other sources. Among all sources, one of them is earth worm. The gut of earth worm contains a special bacterium which converts, nitrogen into ammonium, nitrite and nitrate and then, these three compounds are absorbed by the plants.
Due to continues exploitation of natural resources, the earth worms are also affected. Artificial fertilizer, concrete cover and soil acidification is increased which is made the survival of the earth worms extremely difficult, and the natural habitat of earth worm is also being destroyed. So that's why understanding the importance of earth worms is extremely important.
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