Earthworm Response To Ambush Summary

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Nicholas Hack-Irvin
Bio 104-06
October 25, 2015
Earthworm Response to Spicebush
Methods: Using a plastic container lined with wax paper, two pieces of construction paper were cut to each fit the width of the box. These two pieces of construction paper were placed in close proximity to each other to ensure that both sensory feedbacks would be noticeable to the earthworm when placed in between the two pieces of paper. One strip of paper was lightly covered in water, where the other piece of paper was lightly covered in spicebush extract. 10 replications were performed where a different worm was placed in the center of the container each time, equidistant from both pieces of construction paper, and observed to see whether it would move towards …show more content…

Paul W. Sherman and Samuel M. Flaxman, in their article “Protecting Ourselves from Food: Spices and morning sickness may shield us from toxins and microorganisms in the diet”, Sherman and Flaxman argue that “Microbiologists and food scientists have challenged various food-borne bacteria and fungi with spice chemicals. Although the data are heterogeneous—owing to differences in laboratory techniques, phytochemical concentrations and definitions of microbial inhibition—there is, nonetheless, overwhelming evidence that most spices have antimicrobial properties.” (Sherman and Flaxman 143). The fact that spices and their phytochemical concentrations have antimicrobial properties could be a health benefit for the earthworm which it could easily consume as decomposer of plant material. This would also explain the tendency of the worms to have positive reactions to the …show more content…

Jennifer Billing and Paul W. Sherman argue in “Antimicrobial Functions of Spices: Why Some Like it Hot” , that “Among chronic problems, spices might (i) supply necessary micronutrients (Johns and Chapman 1995; Milner 1996), (ii) combat specific enteric infections, or (iii) kill microorganisms that usually colonize food.” (Billing and Sherman 27). This antimicrobial effect of spices and their phytochemicals again presents a potential health benefit for an earthworm and would provide great reason for consumption if instinctually the worm is drawn to this property. In this experiment, the claim that earthworms would be drawn to spicebush because of its phytochemical signature is corroborated by data from several peer reviewed sources. Due to this, it is logical and supported to conclude that earthworm attraction to spicebush extract is likely due to its phytochemical

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