CONTENTS

Copyright

Title Page

Epigraph

Introduction

Earthworms and us

The three types of earthworm

The earthworm community

Record-breaking earthworms

When did earthworms evolve?

Would humans survive if earthworms went extinct?

Earthworms and seeds

Are earthworms in trouble?

How does a decline in earthworms affect us?

What’s worm-friendly farming?

Do earthworms affect climate change?

Earthworms and space travel

Why are worms called ‘worms’?

Why was Darwin fascinated with earthworms?

Can you eat earthworms?

Why do some people think earthworms are disgusting?

Earthworm ‘cures’

The earthworm’s body

Can earthworms see?

Why do earthworms squirm in daylight?

Which end of an earthworm is which?

How do earthworms move?

How strong is an earthworm?

How fast can an earthworm travel?

Do worms have taste buds?

Can earthworms survive underwater?

Why are earthworms slimy?

Can earthworms hear?

Can an earthworm regrow if it’s cut in half?

Earthworm behaviour

Why do earthworms surface after rain?

Why is it difficult to pull an earthworm out of a hole?

Do earthworms like warm or cold weather?

What do earthworms eat?

Do earthworms build homes underground?

Are earthworms territorial?

What animals eat earthworms?

Can earthworms defend themselves?

How do earthworms have sex?

Can you train a worm?

Do earthworms sleep?

Do earthworms make any noises?

Do earthworms make friends?

Do earthworms take risks?

How long do earthworms live?

Do earthworms experience pain?

Endnotes

About the Author

An Invitation from the Publisher