Forest with Heavy Earthworm Invasion (IMAGE)

Smithsonian

Forest with Heavy Earthworm Invasion

Caption

A forest experiencing heavy earthworm invasion often has few remaining herbaceous plants and seedlings, no intact litter layer, and extensive patches of bare soil. A recent decline in ovenbirds, a ground-nesting migratory songbird, in forests in the northern Midwest US is being linked by scientists to earthworms.

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Photo by Scott Loss

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