Movie:Bioturbation by Worms

Information Page: Bioturbation by Worms

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Bioturbation by Worms

Key Attributes

Domain:	terrestrial
Keywords:	soils, organic matter, ecology
Model name:	Animation model name
Name:	Wim, van Egmond
Where:	Laboratory Wageningen University, The Netherlands
When:	1 month

Short Description

Grade level: Middle (6-8), High (9-12), Under graduate (13-16)

Statement: Bioturbation by different worm species

Abstract: Bioturbation is the mixing of plant and other organic matter into soils and sediments by biotic activity. It is one of the fundamental processes in ecology, as it stimulates decomposition, creates habitats for other (micro)fauna and increases gas- and water flow through the soil.

This time lapse movie shows bioturbation by 3 earthworms species: - Lumbricus terrestris (an ’anecic’ earthworm, feeding on leaves and living in deep vertical burrows; 2 individuals present) - Lumbricus rubellus (an ’epigeic’ earthworm, feeding on leaves and living in shallow, non-permanent burrows; 2 individuals present) - Aporrectodea caliginosa (an ‘endogeic’ earthworm, feeding on decomposed organic matter and living deeper in the soil; 3 individuals present).

Poplar leaves were applied on top of the soil as food for the earthworms. Different soil layers were simulated by mixing a topsoil (rich in organic matter) with quartz sand in various ratios.

The recording lasted 1 month.

This movie was made in collaboration with scientists from the Department of Soil Quality of Wageningen University, The Netherlands.

Soil screening: I.M. Lubbers & J.W. van Groenigen Marie Curie Alumni: G.B. De Deyn Microphonography: Urban Utan Time lapse photography © Wim van Egmond - 2014 With the support of the Marie Curie Alumni Association

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