Question

Which of the following statements are correct?
A. Tapeworms are hermaphrodites and undergo self-fertilization.
B. Earthworms are hermaphrodites and undergo self-fertilization.
C. Tapeworms are hermaphrodites but undergo cross-fertilization.
D. Earthworms are hermaphrodites but undergo cross-fertilization.

• A. A and B
• B. B and C
• C. C and D
• D. D and A

Answer 1

The correct option is D D and A

• The earthworms are hermaphrodites because they have both the male and female reproductive organs in the same body.
• They undergo cross-fertilization because one of the reproductive systems matures before the other and the reproduction takes place by aligning the worms adjacent to each other in the opposite direction. This prevents self-fertilization.
• Tapeworm mostly undergoes self-fertilization. There are certain species of tapeworms that can perform cross-fertilization.
• There are maximum species that reproduce by self-fertilization and the fertilization takes place internally. The fertilized eggs are released in the faeces.
• Thus, the correct answer is option D.