The Earthworm
Reproductive system:
Earthworms are hermaphrodites, which means that they all have both male and female sexual organs. During reproduction, two worms come together in opposite directions with their clitellums in contact with the segments of their mating partner. The clitellum produces a mucus that holds the worms together for a sperm exchange. Sperm is made in the seminal vesicles, which are large organs on either side of the esophogus. After it is received, sperm is stored in the seminal receptacles. When worms make eggs, they are stored in the oviduct. After the 2 worms exchange sperm, on their own, they secrete a ring of mucus around the clitellum, that all ow it to slide off. When the clitellum slides off, it takes sperm from the seminal receptacles and eggs from the oviducts. The clitellum then becomes a cocoon for the new baby worm.
Earthworms are hermaphrodites, which means that they all have both male and female sexual organs. During reproduction, two worms come together in opposite directions with their clitellums in contact with the segments of their mating partner. The clitellum produces a mucus that holds the worms together for a sperm exchange. Sperm is made in the seminal vesicles, which are large organs on either side of the esophogus. After it is received, sperm is stored in the seminal receptacles. When worms make eggs, they are stored in the oviduct. After the 2 worms exchange sperm, on their own, they secrete a ring of mucus around the clitellum, that all ow it to slide off. When the clitellum slides off, it takes sperm from the seminal receptacles and eggs from the oviducts. The clitellum then becomes a cocoon for the new baby worm.
Two Earthworms in the act of reproduction