Question

If an earthworm releases cocoons from posterior end insted of anterior end then :-

• A. Digestion will be affected
• B. Only one zygote will be formed in cocoon
• C. Several zygotes will be formed in cocoon
• D. Sperms will not reach the cocoon and fertilization will not take place

Answer 1

The correct option is D Sperms will not reach the cocoon and fertilization will not take place

1. The reproductive organs of the earthworm are located in the $9^{th}$ to ${15}^{th}$ segment of the earthworm.
2. Cocoons are produced by the secretion of the viscous fluid from the clitellum.
3. During mating, sperm is directly injected into the cocoon for the formation of a new individual.
4. During mating for the exchange of the sperm two earthworms line up one over the other so sperm can be exchange easily and the process of fertilization takes place smoothly.
5. During mating they lie one above the other but in opposite directions, the head of one earthworm lies on the tail of the another.
6. In that situation if cocoons are released from the posterior end instead of the anterior end then the sperm does not come in contact with the eggs and the process of fertilization will not take place and zygote will not form.