The entire surface of a worm's body absorbs oxygen and releases carbon dioxide. Moisture Worms move by squeezing muscles around their water- filled bodies. They also need water to keep their skin moist for breathing.
Can a worm survive without water?
Still, the earthworms that survived drought, even for three weeks, were able to recover after rewetting. “If the soil did get rewetted, their weight didn't change,” says McDaniel. “They should be able to survive through and recover after a drought that matches our conditions.”
What do worms need to survive?
Worms need moisture, air, food, darkness, and warm (but not hot) temperatures. Bedding, made of newspaper strips or leaves, will hold moisture and contain air spaces essential to worms. You should use red worms or red wigglers in the worm bin, which can be ordered from a worm farm and mailed to your school.
How do worms get their water?
The worms use that air, and the air that enters through their burrow holes, to breathe. When it rains and the dirt absorbs a lot of water, those air holes disappear, and the worms' burrows fill with water. If the worms do not come to the surface during a heavy rain, they will suffocate.
Do worms need to be wet?
Worms need moisture in order to breathe oxygen through their skin. If a worms skin dries out, they will suffocate. Likewise, if the moisture level of worm bin bedding is too high, they will drown. And when conditions are too wet, it deprives oxygen that is needed to support the breakdown of foods.
