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Sequence No.

BIO-1661

Describe the reproductive system in earthworm. Explain the gametic exchange in earthworm during mating.
Answer:
Earthworms are bisexual or monoecious or hermaphrodite. The male reproductive organ consists of testis sac, testes, seminal vesicles, spermiducal funnels, vasa deferentia, prostate glands and accessory glands. The female reproductive organ consists of ovaries,oviducts and spermathecae. During copulation, two earthworms get attached through their ventral surface with their anterior end pointing in opposite direction. This leads to exchange of sperms. During the process of coccon formation, the membrane receives ovacoming from female genital aperture and sperms coming from spermathecal pores. The membrane is laid out on the ground and becomes closed. This structure is called cocoon (ootheca). Gametic Exchange in Earthworm : Earthworms are hermaphrodite animals; which means an individual has both the sexes. A pair of male genital pore is present on the ventrolateral side of the 18th segment. Four pairs of spermathecae are located in the 6th to 9th segment (one pair in each segment). During copulation. spermatozoa get deposited in the spermatheca. An earthworm needs to find another earthworm for mating. They juxtapose each other so that the male genital pores of one individual are opposite to the spermatheca of another individual. Thus, a mutual exchange of spermatozoa takes place between the two individuals. Spermatozoa are exchanged in the form of packets: called spermatophores. After that, mature egg cells and sperms are deposited in cocoons. Cocoons are made by the fluids secreted by gland cells of clitellum. Cocoons are deposited in soil and fertilization and development of the embryo takes place inside the cocoons.
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BIO-1661

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