2007-02-14 09:06:13 · 4 answers · asked by pinkrose 1 in Environment
If earthworms were much larger they would be viewed as a viable food source by many more predators. Due to their small size most larger predators are uninterested in so small a meal. For example, a tiger would be uninterested in hunting for earthworms, but if it were the size of an anaconda that might be an entirely different story. It is not advantageous to the earthworm to grow very large which is why in most cases, depending on the ecosystem and the other animals in its environment, it does not. That would be detrimental to its chances of survival.
2007-02-15 08:23:02 · answer #1 · answered by Professor Armitage 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hydrostaic skeletons don't work after a certain size- gravity affects them too much.
That's why giant beetles and spiders from horror movies would not happen, too, the chitinous exoskeleton also has size limitations.
well, I suppose there could be giant bugs and worms in a gravity free environment.
2007-02-14 17:12:10 · answer #2 · answered by LabGrrl 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Without a skeletal system (or even an exoskeleton) if a worm got too big it would collapse under its weight. (Every time the surface area is squared the volume is quadrupled). It just wouldn't have the structure to support its weight. (That's also why you wouldn't see fifty foot ants like in old movies)
2007-02-14 17:11:33 · answer #3 · answered by LX V 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are worm species over 10 feet long.
Isn't that too large?
2007-02-14 17:09:57 · answer #4 · answered by Morey000 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋