Question

How does an earthworm take in and digests its food?

Answer 1

Earthworms devour organic materials in the soil, such as rotting vegetation or leaves. This organic substance is not directly used by plants. After digesting organic food, earthworms expel waste called castings from their bodies. Many nutrients can be found in castings that the plant can use. Some people even employ earthworm castings as a fertiliser in their gardens.

Complete answer:
Annelida, or Annelids, is the phylum in which earthworms are placed. Annelida means "small rings" in Latin. The earthworm's body is segmented, resembling numerous little rings linked or fused together. The earthworm has between 100 and 150 segments.
The digestive system is divided into several areas, each of which serves a specific purpose. The pharynx, oesophagus, crop, intestine, and gizzard are all parts of the digestive system. Soil enters the mouth of the earthworm, where it is ingested by the pharynx. The soil next goes via the oesophagus, which contains calciferous glands that release calcium carbonate to remove excess calcium from the earthworm's body. The food moves into the crop, where it is stored, after passing via the oesophagus, and then into the gizzard. The gizzard grinds the meal thoroughly using stones that the earthworm eats.
As the food passes through the intestines, gland cells in the intestine release fluids to promote digestion. Blood veins run through the gut wall, allowing digested food to be absorbed and transferred to the rest of the body.

Note:
The body's divided portions perform crucial structural tasks. The earthworm may move more easily if it is segmented. Setae are muscles and bristles that cover each segment or portion. When travelling through dirt, the bristles, or setae, help anchor and control the worm.