Earthworms are terrestrial invertebrates that belong to the phylum Annelida. They exhibit a “tube-within-a-tube body plan,” meaning they are externally segmented with corresponding internal segmentation and they usually have setae on all segments. They live in habitats worldwide wherever soil, water, and temperature allow. Through their activity in the soil, earthworms offer more benefits to humans than many think: increased nutrient availability, better drainage, and a more stable soil structure, all of which help improve farm productivity. Earthworms feed on plant debris (dead roots, leaves, grasses, manure) and soil. As well as keeping soil healthy, worms can help clean up contaminated land by enhancing ‘bioremediation,’ which is the process by which micro-organisms consume and break down environmental pollutants converting them to non-toxic molecules.

Arguably, without earthworms in our soils, life could vanish pretty quickly. We would have less food, more pollution, and more flooding. No matter how eye-appealing they are, it is “lowly” earthworms that are doing dirty, but crucial, work in the soil below. 

Recently, people all over the world have been discussing what effects would take place if earthworms were not around. Writers all over the world have been comparing cuter animals to the importance of Earthworms. For example, pandas are seen as cute cuddly animals that everyone loves. When an earthworm is put next to a panda, all eyes turn away from the earthworm. But in reality, Earthworms are needed, and they deserve to be seen just as important.