Biology:Vermivore

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Vermivore (from Latin vermi, meaning "worm" and vorare, "to devour") is a zoological term for animals that primarily eat worms (including annelids, nematodes, and other worm-like animals).[1] Animals with such a diet are known to be vermivorous.[2] Some definitions are less exclusive with respect to the diet, but limit the definition to particular animals, e.g. "Feeding on worms or insect vermin. Used of a bird."[3]

An entire genus of New World warblers has been given the name Vermivora.

One vermivore that may feed exclusively on worms is Paucidentomys vermidax, a rodent species of a type commonly known as shrew rats which was discovered in 2011 in Indonesia. The name, which can be translated as "worm-eating, few-toothed mouse", refers to the fact that they have only four teeth and may live exclusively on a diet of earthworms.[4] This reduced dentition in vermivorous mammals is said to be due to relaxed selectional pressure on dental occlusion.[5]

Process

The process of getting worms and using them as a source of nutrients, whether by animals (in nature) or humans (in food systems or composting), involves several biological and/or ecological steps. Here's a breakdown depending on the context:

  1. Detection: Vermivores use their senses, like smell, vibration detection, or sight, to locate worms underground or above ground.
  2. Extraction: Vermivores will dig or peck their way to the worm or what til they come to the surface(usually at night or in the rain). Then they retrieve it.
  3. Ingestion: The worm is consumed whole or in parts.
  4. Digestion and Absorption: Worms are high in protein, amino acids, iron, and moisture.[6] Vermivor’s digestive system breaks the worm down into usable nutrients, absorbed into the bloodstream for energy and growth.[7]

Examples of vermivores

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Animal Diversity Web". http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/glossary/page/u_v_w_x_y_z.html. 
  2. ↑ Croker, Temple H. (1766). "Vermivorous". The Complete Dictionary of Arts and Sciences. 3. https://books.google.com/books?id=83NEAAAAcAAJ&dq=Animals+with+such+a+diet+are+known+as+vermivorous&pg=PT444. 
  3. ↑ "The Free Dictionary". http://www.thefreedictionary.com/vermivorous. 
  4. ↑ Esselstyn, J.A., Achmadi, A.S. Rowe, K.C. (2012). Evolutionary novelty in a rat with no molars. Biology Letters, published online 22 August 2012, doi:10.1098/rsbl.2012.0574
  5. ↑ Charles, Cyril; Solé, Floréal; Rodrigues, Helder Gomes; Viriot, Laurent (2013-06-01). "Under Pressure? Dental Adaptations to Termitophagy and Vermivory Among Mammals" (in en). Evolution 67 (6): 1792–1804. doi:10.1111/evo.12051. ISSN 1558-5646. PMID 23730770. 
  6. ↑ Siyun, Ding; Xiting, Lin; Sanger, He (2019). "Earthworms: A Source of Protein". doi:10.17265/2159-5828/2019.05.001. https://www.davidpublisher.com/Public/uploads/Contribute/5d131fa129f63.pdf. 
  7. ↑ MACDONALD, D. W. (1983) (in English). Earthworm Ecology (J. E. Satchell ed.). Chapman and Hall Ltd. pp. 393-394. 
  8. ↑ "Spiny Anteaters: Licking Up Its Food". International Wildlife Encyclopedia. 18. Marshall Cavendish. 2002. p. 2488. http://www.questiaschool.com/read/120344869/international-wildlife-encyclopedia. 
  9. ↑ Arlton, A.V. (1936). "An Ecological Study of the Mole.". Journal of Mammalogy 17 (4): 349–371. doi:10.2307/1374401. 





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