Let’s say you are walking through an empty lot. You look down and see a worm and a Rolex watch. You pick up the more valuable item. Which one did you choose?

Rolex watches are worth thousands of dollars. The name and the trademark little crown says it all. Swiss watch making technology is second to none. If your watch says Rolex, you know that it was designed and manufactured by the best.

But a worm? They are slimy little creatures, useful only for putting on fish hooks for bait. Not even a dime a dozen – you can dig them up in the garden for free.

Would the world survive without Rolex watches? Sure. They are worth a lot of money, but a ten buck watch from Walmart would tell the time just as well. A Rolex is just a symbol of wealth.

How about a world without worms? Ask a farmer. As worms tunnel their way through the earth they aerate the soil, allowing air and moisture in. This enables the growth of bacteria, and the bacteria work to break down organic matter within the soil. In addition to their ploughing responsibilities, they also have very valuable poop. The digestive process of the lowly worm produces an excretion known as “worm castings” or “vermicompost” which is a valuable soil conditioner.

Worms are a valuable part of an extremely complex food chain. They play a vital role in maintaining the fertility the soil. Without them, the topsoil would be hard and dry. Having soft moist soil allows farmers to grow more food. Perhaps the lowly worm was also designed and manufactured by the best. 

So which is more valuable, the Rolex or the worm? Depends if you appreciate eating. Having a Rolex on your skeletal wrist won’t do you very much good if you starve to death. Then your body would just turn to sludge without worms to eat you. Yuck! Long live the worms.