Are worms part of the insect animal group?

No, worms are not part of the insect animal group.

Here's why:

* Insects belong to the phylum Arthropoda: This phylum is characterized by having a hard exoskeleton, segmented bodies, and jointed legs.

* Worms are much more diverse: They belong to different phyla, including:

* Annelida: Earthworms, leeches, and marine worms.

* Nematoda: Roundworms.

* Platyhelminthes: Flatworms (like tapeworms and flukes).

So, while both insects and worms are invertebrates (animals without backbones), they are distinct groups with different characteristics.