What ecological role are earthworms often assigned due to their processing of soil?
Answer
Ecosystem engineers
Earthworms are highly regarded for their profound and sustained influence on their surrounding environment, leading to them being termed ecosystem engineers. This designation reflects their constant, significant activity where they consume organic material, which results in the mixing, aeration, and structuring of the soil. Furthermore, by depositing nutrient-rich casts, they actively participate in nutrient cycling, fundamentally altering the physical and chemical properties of the soil, thereby creating optimal conditions for plant roots and other dependent life forms to flourish.
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