The full Nefertiti of Egypt declared them sacred. Aristotle called them the digestive tract of the world. Charles Darwin believed that they played an important role in the history of the entire world. Which animal has aroused the admiration of these celebrities? The common or garden earthworm. Because you will see, earthworms must be respected. It’s true that they are slimy and squirmy. But even these characteristics, which one might consider unattractive, can inspire a feeling of awe when one becomes a little better acquainted with the earthworm. All you have to do is bend lower and knock over a clod of earth or disturb a layer of dead leaves, and you have joined the fascinating kingdom of earthworms. A Simple Brain, Amazing Talents Pay close attention to an earthworm and you'll see that it's made up of ringed segments that look like a row of tightly grouped miniature raspberry braids. Each segment is managed by two muscle groups. One group, just beneath the skin layers, forms a diamond ring around the earthworm. Below this layer, the 2nd group extends through the earthworm. The earthworm moves by growing and contracting these opposing muscles, flexing segment after segment in a rhythmic pulse that undulates through its lower body. If you place an earthworm in your hands, it will undoubtedly twist and wiggle. The earthworm reacts this way because it is bristling with sensory organs, up to 1,900 on a single segment. These receptors give the earthworm a sensation of touch, the ability to taste, and the ability to identify light. The earthworm grips the soil using small hair-like prey called bristles. Each segment of the earthworm has teams of bristles that act a bit like the oars of the rowb...... middle of paper...... its organic matter. These earthworms consume between 50 and 100% of their body weight each day and provide a widely promoted nutrient-rich fertilizer. Research has revealed another possible use of earthworms as a food source. Earthworms retain the same beneficial proteins as beef. On a dry weight basis, they contain 60% protein and 10% body fat and contain calcium and phosphorus. Already, in some countries, we eat earthworm pies. In other parts of the world, they fry the worms and eat them raw. While earthworms may never become the most popular creatures on the planet, the planet would be described as a different place without one. So the next time you admire a tranquil countryside scene, think of that army of worms beneath your feet, busy tilling, fertilizing and tending to that beautiful view...