What is the ‘point’ of earthworms? If they all disappeared tomorrow, would there be any impact? (Other than a food source loss for some animals)

Question

As above. Sorry if this is a silly question!

I realise there is no ‘point’ to any particular animal or plant, but you often find that various species provide some sort of benefit (e.g. plants giving out oxygen, those birds that clean crocodiles’ teeth, spiders eat a lot of flies).

I just wondered if worms are particularly ‘useful’, because they don’t seem to do much from what I can tell

In: 170

Answer 1

“It may be doubted if there are any other animals which have played such an important part in the history of the world as these lowly organized creatures.”  Charles Darwin.

Typical earthworm populations can easily consume 2 tons of dry matter per acre per year, partly digesting and mixing it with soil. 

Earthworm castings have nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, zinc…

Earthworms also help in maintaining the soil structure, drainage, and aeration.