How do earthworms breathe?
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4 Answers
Earthworms breathe through their skin. Their skin is moist and permeable, which allows oxygen to enter their body and carbon dioxide to exit. They rely on diffusion to exchange gases with their environment. This is why earthworms need to stay moist, as dry skin impedes gas exchange and can lead to suffocation.
Earthworms breathe through their skin, a process called cutaneous respiration. They require oxygen for cellular respiration and absorb it directly through their moist skin. Similarly, they release carbon dioxide and other waste gases through their skin. This is why earthworms need a moist environment to survive, as dry skin can hamper their respiration.
Earthworms breathe through their skin in a process called cutaneous respiration. Their skin is permeable to gases, allowing oxygen to diffuse directly into their bloodstream from the surrounding environment. Similarly, carbon dioxide, a waste product of metabolism, diffuses out through their skin into the surrounding environment.
To facilitate this exchange of gases, earthworms require a moist environment. Moisture helps keep their skin moist and allows gases to dissolve, making it easier for oxygen and carbon dioxide to pass through. This is why earthworms are typically found in damp soil or other moist environments. If their skin dries out, they can't effectively exchange gases and may suffocate.
To facilitate this exchange of gases, earthworms require a moist environment. Moisture helps keep their skin moist and allows gases to dissolve, making it easier for oxygen and carbon dioxide to pass through. This is why earthworms are typically found in damp soil or other moist environments. If their skin dries out, they can't effectively exchange gases and may suffocate.