Why do earthworms have moist skin?

Earthworms have a special skin that allows them to “breathe” oxygen right through it. Earthworms have moist skin because it is necessary for oxygen to be absorbed and carbon dioxide to be given off.  The worm’s skin is protected by a thin cuticle and kept moist by a slimy mucus.  This lets it absorb the oxygen it needs and expel carbon dioxide.  If a worm is dried up by the sun, it will die because the exchange of gases can’t take place. 

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 The soft, rather slimy pinkish-red or brown skin earthworm enables them to easily move underground through soil particles. The slime on their skin keeps them moist and it ensures that they do not shrivel and die.

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The earthworm has no lungs and takes in oxygen through its moist skin - it is a skin breather. Oxygen from the air dissolves in the moisture on the worms skin and then travels into the skin blood. If it dries out it will suffocate. Its skin is covered by mucus-secreting cells. The mucus serves not only in respiratory exchange, but it also lubricates the worm's body and eases passage through the burrow.

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