why is it important for earthworms to maintain a moist skin surface?

Answer 1

they'll dry out and die

Answer 2

Despite living a subterranean lifestyle, worms -- like us-- need oxygen to live. Soil is an aerated porous network, through which worms burrow. Instead of having lungs like humans, through, worms absorb oxygen (present in the small pockets of air in soil) through their "skin".

Besides oxygen diffusing into their bodies through their exterior surface, carbon dioxide diffuses out, into the soil. This gasous exchange -- of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the worm and its surrounding soil-- is more efficent when it takes place across a moist surface. (Incidentally, human lungs employ the same technique). Effiecent gas exchanege is crucial. If it fails, so too does the worm's life.

Often in biology, an adaptation may benefit the species in more than one way. A worm's moist skin surface is such an adaptation. It's moist surface reduces friction with the surrounding soil. Less friction is good news for the worm. It saves energy, reduces damage to its skin and allows higher speed.

Answer 3

If they do not stay moist they cannot move or funtion in any way. (poor dried up earthworm you see on the side walk when it rains and can't get back into the shade or earth fast enough)

Answer 4

earthworms have a thin layer of mucus that they need for survival so if u pick a worm up, wash your hands first so you will keep the worm alive, and also , that is why they die when it is hot and dry outside because it evaporates the thin mucus that keeps them alive

Answer 5

so they can breathe, worms breathe through their skin

Answer 6

Becuz, they will dry up and die.