≡The Segmented Worms
Annelids a group of invertebrate animals with segmented bodies, play essential roles in maintaining terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Including earthworms, leeches and other worms, these organisms live in varied habitats such as soils, rivers and oceans, and are known for their ability to improve the quality of the environment they inhabit.
Features
Annelids have bodies divided into segments, which facilitates movement and increases their efficiency in searching for food. They have well-developed digestive, nervous and circulatory systems, with closed circulation, a rare characteristic among invertebrates.
Earthworms: Soil Allies
Earthworms are iconic examples of beneficial annelids. By digging tunnels in the soil, they promote aeration, facilitating plant growth. Furthermore, they recycle organic matter, enriching the soil with nutrients and contributing to sustainable agriculture.
Leeches: Multifunctional and Controversial
Although some species of leeches are known to feed on blood, they have important medicinal uses. For centuries, they have been used in circulation treatments and even in modern therapies, such as tissue revascularization.
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