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Updated: Jul 7, 2026

Using Single-Worm Data to Quantify Heterogeneity in Caenorhabditis elegans-Bacterial Interactions
Published on: July 22, 2022
Evidence for human-mediated dispersal of exotic earthworms: support for exploring strategies to limit further spread
1The Natural Resources Research Institute, Center for Water and the Environment, University of Minnesota, Duluth, MN 55811, USA. cmhale@d.umn.edu
Abstract:
As potent ecosystem engineers, non-native earthworms are altering the fundamental structure and function of previously earthworm-free cold-temperate hardwood forests in North America. Discarded earthworms used for fishing bait has been presumed to be an important vector for the continued spread of non-native earthworms because epicentres of invasion often include boat landings, lakeshores and roads. However, controversy has remained about the overall importance of human-mediated spread vs. natural expansion of established earthworm populations. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Cameron et al. explore the continued role of humans in dispersing non-native earthworms.
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