Darwin’s Super-Pooping Worm Spectacular

Charles Darwin believed earthworms made important contributions to the natural world, though many people regarded them only as garden pests. Across a forty-year study, he tested their abilities to sense light, hear, smell, and taste. His methods changed as early attempts failed and he developed better approaches. Darwin learned that worms have no eyes but use skin sensors to detect light. He also found that their underground movement aerates soil and that their castings add nutrients that help plants. The study led to his book about worms and vegetable mould.