Question

Which one of the following is hermaphrodite?
(A) Cockroach
(B) Earthworm
(C) Ant
(D) Termite

Answer 1

The organism here is hermaphrodite belonging to the phylum Annelida and is a terrestrial invertebrate. They move by crawling, taking long strides. This helps them in moving faster on land. Higher animals use muscles for movement. They have a dedicated system that also includes spiny structures for movement.

Complete solution:
Hermaphrodites are those organisms during which both the sex organs are present. The cockroach, ant, and termite are monosexual. The male and feminine reproductive organs are present in several individuals. Whereas within the case of earthworm, the testis and ovaries are present within the same individual and are mentioned as a hermaphrodite.
The earthworm travels underground. The secretion of mucus helps in the burrowing process therefore they make gurgling noise underground when they move through the lubricated tunnel. They move by peristalsis i.e. alternative lengthening and shortening of the body. They anchored with the help of clawlike tiny bristles that are present all along its segmented length to the surrounding. They move through the tunnel in the soil by expanding crevices with the force which is measured according to body weight. The hatchlings have the ability to push approx five hundred times their body weight whereas adults push only 10 times their body weight. This special type of locomotion by setae are not unique to earthworms but is a feature of the phylum Annelida. They lack appendages or parapodia and hence use their muscles and the spiny seta for movement.

So, the correct answer is ‘Earthworm’.

Note:
The earthworms are known as both ureotelic and ammonotelic and they secrete both urea and ammonia as their waste products. The excretory organs are called nephridia in the case of earthworm.