Since its common name begins with “W”, and it’s easier to invite to preschool than walruses are, Lumbricus terrestris was our guest this day. See the list of FAQs below to appreciate the “worm of the earth”, aka the common earthworm. And also dessert.
To which phyla does Lumbricus terrestris belong?
Earthworms are segmented worms from phylum Annelida. In high school biology, we would say Kingdom Animalia, subgroup Invertebrata. Earthworms don’t have backbones, which in preschool terms means that they wiggle.
Where do earthworms live?
In dirt. Worms eat dirt and poop dirt. Preschoolers know this.
What about earthworms makes them excellent specimens for biology?
They don’t scoot, so they are easily caught. They don’t fly, so they are easily held in hand. They don’t hang from the bathroom ceiling, so they’re not creepy. They are plentiful, but if you and Opa are trying to locate a few before your students arrive, you won’t find any unless you sprinkle the garden for an hour in the a.m.
Are the sexes separate in phylum Annelida?
Thanks for asking, but no. In preschool speak, we discuss “mommy” worms, “daddy” worms, and “baby” worms, as evidenced by length. That’s all.
What symmetry do earthworms possess?
All worms are bilaterally symmetrical, as are walruses, goats, and your mom. Therefore, they can be cut into two identical halves by a single, longitudinal slice along their centers. If, though, your shovel slips, you’ll realize that worms have a head and a tail; those pieces are not symmetrical. And the little guy/gal will not survive. (Also FYI, earthworms cannot regenerate as flatworms can.)
Don’t earthworms have five hearts?
Notwithstanding those Pinterest coloring sheets (with five, red valentine hearts perfectly spaced between the anterior and posterior ends of a smiling worm), no. Earthworms don’t even have one heart! But they do have aortic arches, which are heart-like pumps.
Are earthworms edible?
Absolutely. First, they must be hidden in a cup of pudding, which is in turn sprinkled with crushed Oreos. When offered a special treat on “W” day, preschoolers will go wild with anticipation until told they are eating dirt. After they have realized the adults are lying and “dirt” means “chocolate”, they’ll almost dig right in.
Was “dirt ‘n worms” a treat when the mommies were kids?
Indeed it was. In fact, Mommy Amy revealed that she was frequently disappointed at friends’ birthday parties when she realized there were no worms inside chocolate cakes.
Were her children as thrilled with gummy worms as she had been?
Eh. They’re young. They’re learnin’.
What will preschoolers learn for Letter X?
Admittedly, “X” is problematic. X-ray is the most likely focus, though. Aunty Jenny, we’ll be calling for those foot x-rays, okay?
Photo cred: Amy and Erin!