why do california black worms make such unusual movements? I need answer for science homework by tomorrow morning!
pleas give an answer! [and they really do make unusual movements].
2006-09-20 15:13:55 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Environment
guys they can be out of water
2006-09-20 16:24:17 · update #1
especially when they are out of water they make unusual movements.
2006-09-20 16:46:57 · update #2
The segments of the blackworm body encouage corckscrew motion in water, and these worms raise their tail to breathe if underwater for substantial periods of time.
"The California Blackworm has various adaptations that contribute to its fitness. Their segmented bodies are made up of 150-200 segments; some organs are repeated in each section. Their nerve trunk is on the ventral side of their body, and a large, fluid-filled coelon, which lets organs slide easily against each other. This provides easy movement for the worm... Blackworms move through water by moving in a corkscrew motion.
"Blackworms move by means of circular and longitudinal muscle contractions affecting their "skeleton", which is no more than a collection of fluid-filled body cavities in each segment called coelom; this skeletal system is also known as a hydrostatic internal skeleton. This allows Blackworms to be very acrobatic. It also allows them to change shape because of the fluids in their body; however, they cannot change their volume. Blackworms use chaetae, a form of setae, for traction. In addition, if a Blackworm's tail is lightly stroked, it will crawl forward, demonstrating reflexive peristalsis. If it is stroked on the head, it will crawl backwards, demonstrating reverse peristaltic crawling.
"Since California Blackworms have no lungs or gills, they breathe through their skin. Even though there is little oxygen in the water, they have the ability to survive for a long time. They use their dorsal tail for obtaining oxygen, so when they are in shallow areas of water, they raise their dorsal tail above the water to gain oxygen."
2006-09-20 15:26:36 · answer #1 · answered by urbancoyote 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I typed "california black worms" into the search bar, and the page came up with 1,680,000 pages for the subject. But since worms gross me out, and it IS your homework assignment, I'll leave the rest to you. go check out some of the pages until you find an answer. Maybe get some pics for your assignment too! Hope this helps ya!
Vickie P.
2006-09-20 22:29:58 · answer #2 · answered by vspaulo 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
they don't really move themselves, they kinda sway with the current, but if
you put your hand in the tank to touch them, they clench up..more of an
instictive movement to protect themselves...
2006-09-20 22:49:40 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
everyone knows blacks are good dancers
2006-09-20 22:16:41 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 4⤋