, Columnist
How Earthworms Discovered America
Columbus wasn't the only one on the move during the Age of Exploration.
Shortly after 1492, earthworms discovered America. Not in any heroic sense, of course -- but once those European worms arrived, they set to work reshaping the structure of American soil and devouring leaf litter that had been a source of food for countless insects, and the birds and mammals that fed on them. Creatures that had thrived died, and others took their place.
In his book “1493: Uncovering the New World Columbus Created,” Charles Mann quotes University of Minnesota biologist Cindy Hale on this turn of events: “Four centuries ago, we launched this gigantic unplanned ecological experiment,” she said. “We have no idea what the long-term consequences will be.” We’re still being surprised.