Earthworms are described as hermaphrodites because each individual organism :
Contains both male and female reproductive organs
Earthworms do not change sex seasonally, do not need three individuals to reproduce, and do not reproduce solely by asexual fragmentation; reproduction in earthworms is sexual and involves mating between two individuals.
The term hermaphrodite specifically means that a single organism possesses both male reproductive organs (testes) and female reproductive organs (ovaries) at the same time. In earthworms, though each individual has both sets of organs, they still typically exchange sperm with a partner during mating, after which each worm fertilizes its own eggs.
Therefore, earthworms are hermaphrodites because each individual contains both male and female reproductive organs.
Similar Questions
Paramecium is placed in Kingdom Protista and is characterised by locomotion using hair-like structures called:
Which of the following is the primary factor leading to species becoming endangered?
Polar bears have a thick layer of adipose tissue (fat) located internally, beneath the skin, to maintain body temperature. What is this specific layer called ?
The defining diagnostic features of Phylum Arthropoda include:
Important Questions from Zoology
Lymph is a tissue fluid present in intercellular spaces. It resembles to
The protein-digesting enzyme secreted by the stomach wall in case of mammals is called
- Which one of the following belongs to 'Pisces'?
Organisms capable of using CO2 as principal carbon source are called:
Which one of the following statements is NOT correct?
