The Relation of Body Level, Temperature, and Nutrition to Regenerative Growth

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Abstract
The mm. of new tissue regenerated posteriorly was measured after section of earthworms at 6 body levels at 20[degree]C, at 3 body levels at 25[degree]C, and at 4 levels at 30[degree]C. The number of segments regenerated was detd. for worms cut at 5 levels at 20[degree], 25[degree], and 30[degree]C. Regeneration was also compared in fed and starved worms cut at 4 levels at 25[degree]C. There were 75 individuals (Eisenia foetida) in each group at each temp. Measurements were made at intervals up to 3 months. The opt. temp. was close to 25[degree]C. 5 degrees on either side of that figure gave markedly slower growth. At all body levels and temps. tested, the rate of regeneration fell linearly as the level of amputation became more distal, i.e., posterior. Under complete starvation, the number of segments and of mm. regenerated was less, but the same linear decline in rate occurred as the level of operation was moved posteriorly.