Question

Which one of the following is true for Pheretima?

• A. Four pairs of spermathecae in segments 4-7.
• B. One pair of ovaries attached at the intersegmental septum of 14th and 15th segments
• C. Two pairs of testes in 10th and 11th segments.
• D. Two pairs of accessory glands in segments 16-18.

Answer 1

The correct option is C Two pairs of testes in 10th and 11th segments.

Pheretima is the scientific name of earthworm. Earthworm is hermaphrodite as both male and female gonads are found in the same organism.
Testes is the male gonad that produces the sperms in male reproductive system of earthworms. The two pairs of testes are located in the 10th and 11th segments of earthworm. Spermatheca is a structure in earthworm that receives and stores the spermatozoa. Four pairs of spermatheca are located from the 6th to the 9th segment.
Ovaries are the female gonads that produce the egg in the female reproductive system of earthworm. A pair of lobulated ovaries is present in the intersegmental septum of 12th and 13th segment.
Glands whose secretion helps in keeping the worms together during mating are called accessory glands. The accessory glands are located in 17th and 19th segments.