AnnelidaThe Segmented Worm

Taxonomy● Domain- Eukarya● Kingdom- Animalia● Phylum- ANNELIDA● Class ● Order● Family● Genus● Species

Quick Glance at Phylum Annelida

Examples:● Leeches● Earthworms● Tube Worms

*Note: The Alaskan Bull Worm is not a real Annelid

Quick Facts● Body Symmetry: Bilateral symmetry● Reproduction: Sexual ● Movement: Muscular contractions● Food: Some are carnivores (leeches may suck

blood), some are herbivores, and some are scavengers- all have a one way digestive system

The Giant Earthworm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhsH2okFNGU

“Little Rings”● Phylum Annelida has segmented worms

meaning the worm’s body has small divisions, or rings.

● The worm also has small hairs called SETAE all over the body that helps them move.

Why are worms so slimy???● Worms have mucous on the outside of their

body. But why?○ IT HELPS THEM MOVE THROUGH DIRT

AND ABSORB OXYGEN THROUGH THEIR BODY.

Why do we need Annelids?● Annelids help our soil! How do they do it?

○ BREAK DOWN ORGANIC MATTER (THROUGH EATING)

○ MAKE TUNNELS WHICH BRINGS IN AIR○ MOVE NUTRIENTS AROUND IN SOIL

Annelids as predatorshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPvyVPFSsAU

Fun Facts● Doctors have used leeches for years to help suck

blood from wounds and help heal those wounds faster!

● When you cut an earthworm, the part that has the clitellum will survive!

● The largest earthworm found measured 22 FEET long!

● Earthworm poop, or CASTS, mix with soil to help make it better!