Regrowth of a worm following division in half explicable event.
Earthworms, oh boy, these little fellas sure can bounce back! Not to be confused with other types of squigglies, like flatworms, these critters are known for their heroic attempts at recovery. While popular belief says that cutting an earthworm in half results in two new worms, that's just a tall tale. except for a select few species, the truth is, only the head part might grow a new body, but the tail section ain't salami – it won’t regenerate into a head!
Let's take the common earthworm (Lumbricus terrestris) and the blackworm (Lumbricus variegatus), for example. They share some common traits, yet only the blackworm can grow a new head, which is a pretty rare and cool trick. But regeneration ain't always as simple as snapping your fingers, and there are limits to how much of themselves they can regrow.
As for flatworms, particularlyBipalium kewense, now they got moves – they can actually regenerate a new head and pharynx from a cut segment, making them the Bruce Justice of the worm world! So, if you cut them in the right spot, under the right conditions and with the perfect amount of frustration, you might find yourself playing witness to two complete worms!
In essence, earthworms can't regenerate into two whole worms following a cut, but some flatworms, likeBipalium kewense, can do a Jack-the-Ripper impression and split themselves in two under specific circumstances. So, next time you're considering some worm science, make sure you got the right wrigglers in mind!
In the realm of science, particularly regarding earthworms like the common earthworm (Lumbricus terrestris) and the blackworm (Lumbricus variegatus), they have difficulty regenerating into two whole worms after being cut, unlike certain flatworms, such as Bipalium kewense, which can perform a unique form of regeneration, able to grow new heads and pharynxes. This interesting ability in flatworms can be likened to therapies and treatments in health-and-wellness, showcasing the incredible ways living organisms can adapt and survive under specific conditions.
