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Male and Female Reproductive System of Earthworm
The reproductive system of the earthworm is both internal and external. The male reproductive system is located in the front part of the body, while the female reproductive system is located in the back. The male reproductive system consists of a pair of testes, which produce sperm, and a pair of ducts, which carry the sperm to the outside. The female reproductive system consists of a pair of ovaries, which produce eggs, and a pair of ducts, which carry the eggs to the outside.
How do Earthworms Reproduce?
Earthworms reproduce by a process called binary fission. This process involves the splitting of the worm’s body into two equal halves. Each half then grows into a new worm.
Male Reproductive System
- The male reproductive system is responsible for the production and transport of sperm, and the production of testosterone. The system consists of the testes, epididymis, vas deferens, prostate gland, seminal vesicles, and urethra.
- The testes are the male reproductive organs responsible for the production of sperm. They generally located in the scrotum, and are surrounded by a layer of muscle and fibrous tissue. The testes produce testosterone, which is responsible for the development of the male reproductive system and the secondary sex characteristics.
- The epididymis is a long, coiled tube that sits on the back of the testes. The epididymis is responsible for the storage and transport of sperm. The vas deferens is a long, muscular tube that transports sperm from the epididymis to the prostate gland.
- The prostate gland is a small, walnut-sized gland that sits just below the bladder. The prostate gland produces a thick, milky fluid that helps to transport sperm. The seminal vesicles are two small, sac-like glands that produce most of the fluid that makes up semen. The urethra is a tube that carries urine and semen from the penis.
Female Reproductive System
- The female reproductive system is responsible for the production and nurturing of offspring. It consists of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and vagina.
- The ovaries are the primary organs of the female reproductive system. They produce eggs (ova) and the hormones estrogen and progesterone. The fallopian tubes are a pair of tubes that extend from the ovaries to the uterus. The uterus is a muscular organ that holds the baby during pregnancy. The vagina is a muscular tube that leads from the uterus to the outside of the body.
- The hormones estrogen and progesterone are responsible for the development and maintenance of the female reproductive system. They control the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and the development of the baby.
Earthworm Copulation
When two earthworms meet, they will often intertwine their bodies and touch their sensitive heads together. This process is called copulation. The worms exchange sperm, and the female stores the sperm in a special pouch called the spermatheca. Therefore the sperm can stay alive in the spermatheca for up to two years.
Did you Know Your Average Earthworm is Nearly as big as Your Teacup?
The average earthworm is nearly as big as a teacup. They range in size from a few millimeters to a few inches in length. Earthworms are a type of annelid, which is a segmented invertebrate. However they have a tough outer skin and a soft inner body. Earthworms can eat soil and organic matter and help to aerate the soil. They can also help to pollinate plants.
Quick Tips To Understand the Reproductive System Of Earthworm
There are a few things to know about the reproductive system of earthworms.
1. Earthworms are hermaphrodites, meaning they have both male and female reproductive organs.
2. When they mate, the two worms exchange sperm.
3. The eggs are fertilized internally and are then deposited in a cocoon that the worms create.
4. The eggs hatch and the baby worms emerge.