How do you know whether earthworms a meal worms are closely related evolutionarily?

Earthworms and mealworms are not closely related evolutionarily, as they belong to different taxonomic groups. Earthworms are annelids, part of the phylum Annelida, while mealworms are the larval stage of darkling beetles, belonging to the phylum Arthropoda. Their distinct classifications highlight significant differences in their anatomy, physiology, and evolutionary history. Genetic studies and comparative morphology further support their evolutionary divergence.