SPECIES INFO
Common Earthworm (Lumbricus terrestris) was originally found in the Old World but now is widely established in many temperate countries including Canada and the United States.Earthworms (Oligochaeta Class) contains the familiar earthworms and nightcrawlers. Approximately 3,000 different species are known.
Segmented Worms (Phylum Annelida) are found both in marine and terrestrial situations. Three of the classes are:
Polychaeta Class - Marine species -
(6,000 species)
Oligochaeta Class - Earthworms -
(3,000 species)
Hirundinea Class - Leeches -
(300 species)
There has been considerable revision of this group of life forms, but we include ancient text as it might be of interest.
Animal Kingdom contains numerous organisms that feed on other animals or plants. Included in the animal kingdom are the lower marine invertebrates such as sponges and corals, the jointed legged animals such as insects and spiders, and the backboned animals such as fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.
