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Amynthas Agrestis
''Amynthas agrestis'', the Asian jumping worm,The species goes by many common names, including the rustic jumping worm, the Alabama jumper, and the Asian crazy worm. is a species of worm in the family Megascolecidae. They have a smooth, glossy grey or brown body with a milky white clitellum, and can range from in length. ''Amynthas agrestis'' is native to Japan and the Korean Peninsula, and was introduced to North America due to increased human activity during the 19th century; it is considered to be an invasive species in the United States. Worms within the genus ''Amynthas'' (jumping worms) reproduce and develop quicker than their European counterparts. Ecology The ''Amynthas agrestis'' became a problem in the United States, specifically the Southern United States, during the 19th century. There is increasing concern about this invasive species. One of the main concerns is the over-consumption of leaf litter, which will impact the microbial and species diversity of the nati ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Megascolecidae
The Megascolecidae is a taxonomic family of earthworms which is native to Madagascar, Australia, New Zealand and both South East Asia and North America. All species of Megascolecidae belong to the Clitellata class. Megascolecidae are a large family of earthworms and they can grow up to 2 meters in length. The intercontinental distribution of Megascolecidae helps in favouring the Continental Drift theory.Reynolds, J.W. 1995. The distribution of earthworms (Annelida, Oligochaeta) in North America. Pp. 133- 153 In: Mishra, P.C., N. Behera, B.K. Senapati and B.C. Guru (eds.). Advances in Ecology and Environmental Sciences. New Delhi: Ashish Publishing House, 651 pp. The distinctive feature that differs Megascolecidae from other earthworm families is their large size in comparison with other earthworm families. They are an essential part of maintaining soil structure, minor carbon sequestration, and maintaining terrestrial ecosystem balance. Megascolecidae is one of many families Anne ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Clitellum
The clitellum is a thickened glandular and non-segmented section of the body wall near the head in earthworms and leeches, that secretes a viscid sac in which eggs are stored. It is located near the anterior end of the body, between the fourteenth and seventeenth segments. The number of the segments to where the clitellum begins and the number of segments that make up the clitellum are important for identifying earthworms. In microdrile earthworms, the clitellum has only one layer, resulting in a smaller quantity of eggs than that of the megadrile earthworms, which have larger multi-layered clitellum that have special cells that secrete albumin into the worms' egg sac. The clitellum is part of the reproductive system of clitellates, a subgroup of annelids which contains oligochaetes (earthworms) and hirudineans (leeches). The clitellum is a thick, saddle-like ring found in the epidermis (skin) of the worm, usually with a light-colored pigment. To form a cocoon for its eggs, the cl ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Invasive Species In The United States
Invasive species are a significant threat to many native habitats and species of the United States and a significant cost to agriculture, forestry, and recreation. The term "invasive species" can refer to introduced/naturalized species, feral species, or introduced diseases. Some introduced species, such as the dandelion, do not cause significant economic or ecologic damage and are not widely considered as invasive. Economic damages associated with invasive species' effects and control costs are estimated at $120 billion per year. Notable invasive species } , - , , , , Giant African land snail , , ''Lissachatina fulica'' , , Florida , , Pest control , , This invasive species was smuggled into Florida from Africa. Since they need calcium to build their shells, they attach themselves to concrete, which in many cases is house foundations, weakening house structures. , - , , , Lionfish , , ''Pterois'' , , Southern U.S. , , Lionfish derbies , , Lionfish compete for ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Amynthas
''Amynthas'' is a genus of earthworms in the family Megascolecidae. They are known as jumping worms, snake worms, or crazy worms because of their erratic thrashing behaviour when disturbed. The genus is native to East Asia, but they are invasive in many areas of the United States. They are a matter of concern in many states, as they disrupt the native forest ecology by affecting soil structure and chemistry. Appearance ''Amynthas'' species can be differentiated from other earthworms by their clitellum, which is pale, annular, is close to the head, and lies flat against the body.''Wisconsin DNR Forest Health.''Jumping Worms (''Amynthas spp.'') Fact Sheet. Updated April 2015. Accessed Dec 22 2022. They vary in size between . Life cycle ''Amynthas'' species' faster reproduction rate, and their ability to reproduce asexually (parthenogenesis) has contributed to their spread into the United States. The worms reach maturity in 60 days, which allows them to have two hatches per year ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Controlled Burn
A controlled or prescribed burn, also known as hazard reduction burning, backfire, swailing, or a burn-off, is a fire set intentionally for purposes of forest management, farming, prairie restoration or greenhouse gas abatement. A controlled burn may also refer to the intentional burning of slash and fuels through burn piles. Fire is a natural part of both forest and grassland ecology and controlled fire can be a tool for foresters. Hazard reduction or controlled burning is conducted during the cooler months to reduce fuel buildup and decrease the likelihood of serious hotter fires. Controlled burning stimulates the germination of some desirable forest trees, and reveals soil mineral layers which increases seedling vitality, thus renewing the forest. Some cones, such as those of lodgepole pine and sequoia, are pyriscent, as well as many chaparral shrubs, meaning they require heat from fire to open cones to disperse seeds. In industrialized countries, controlled burning ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
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