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Why don’t worms have legs?

Introduction: The Curious Case of Legless Worms

Worms are fascinating creatures that have been around for millions of years. They come in different shapes and sizes, but one characteristic that they all share is their lack of legs. This may seem puzzling, especially since legs are a common feature in most animals. However, the answer to why worms don’t have legs lies in their evolutionary history and their unique adaptations to their environment.

Evolutionary History of Worms

Worms belong to the phylum Annelida, which includes earthworms, leeches, and marine worms. They evolved from a common ancestor that lived around 600 million years ago and gradually developed into different species, each with its own set of adaptations. One of the significant changes that occurred in the evolution of worms was the development of a long, narrow body that allowed them to move through narrow spaces and burrow underground. Over time, worms lost their legs as they adapted to a life without the need for them.

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