The organ that is responsible for secreting cocoons in the oligochaetes is known as the
A)nephridia.
B)setae.
C)radula.
D)clitellum.
E)lophophore.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The organ responsible for secreting cocoons in the oligochaetes (earthworms) is the clitellum, which is a specialized glandular and muscular structure located near the anterior end of the body. It produces a mucous secretion that forms a tube around the worm and its mate during copulation, and then hardens to form a cocoon that encloses the eggs and sperm. The cocoon is later deposited in the soil and hatches into young worms. Nephridia are excretory organs, setae are bristle-like structures used for locomotion or anchoring in some invertebrates, radula is a specialized feeding organ in some mollusks, and lophophore is a ciliated organ used for feeding and gas exchange in some aquatic invertebrates.

The Organ That Is Responsible for Secreting Cocoons in the Oligochaetes