Worms eat by ingesting organic matter through their mouth, relying on a specialized digestive system to process food.
Here's a breakdown of the process:
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Ingestion: Worms lack teeth, so they consume small particles of decaying organic material, such as leaves, decaying plants, and other organic debris found in the soil. This material enters the worm's body through its mouth, which is a simple opening at the anterior end.
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Grinding: While worms don't have teeth, they possess a muscular gizzard. Inside the gizzard, small, ingested particles of sand and grit help to grind the organic matter into smaller pieces, aiding digestion.
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Digestion: After the gizzard, the food passes into the intestine, where enzymes break down the organic matter further. Nutrients are absorbed through the intestinal wall into the worm's bloodstream.
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Excretion: Undigested material, along with soil particles, is excreted as "castings" through the anus. These castings are rich in nutrients and beneficial for the soil.
In short, worms are essentially composting machines, processing organic waste and enriching the soil as they eat. Their feeding process is crucial for soil health and nutrient cycling in ecosystems.
