During typical earthworm reproduction, __________.

• A. each individual fertilizes its own eggs with its own sperm (in self-fertilization)
• B. fertilization takes place during copulation between males and females
• C. hermaphroditic individuals exchange eggs
• D. reproduction is by parthenogenesis, with no male participation
• E. hermaphroditic individuals exchange sperm

Answer: (E)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that earthworms are hermaphroditic, meaning each individual has both male and female reproductive organs.
2. Recognize that during reproduction, earthworms do not self-fertilize; instead, they engage in copulation with another earthworm.
3. During copulation, two earthworms align ventrally and exchange sperm with each other, which is stored in special sacs called spermathecae.
4. After the exchange of sperm, each earthworm will later use the received sperm to fertilize its own eggs internally.
5. This process ensures genetic diversity, as the eggs are fertilized by sperm from a different individual, not by self-fertilization or parthenogenesis.