Reproductive Systems Kristen, Erin, and Clare May 12, 2009

The Reproductive Life of a Sponge Sponges are hermaphroditic, meaning they contain both male and female sex organs. Therefore reproduction in a sponge can occur either sexually or asexually. To produce sexually, the sponge will cross fertilize one another. The eggs and the sperm unite to produce a free swimming larva that will settle on a new surface. This surface is usually rocks, coral, or almost any surface at the bottom of the sea. To produce asexually, a sponge will produce a small, internal asexual bud, called a gemule. Each gemule will create a new sponge. In order for a sponge to reproduce, all you would have to do is cut off a small piece of it to produce a full bodied sponge.

The Life of a Sponge…. In PICTURES

The Reproductive Life of an Earthworm Earthworms are also hermaphroditic and they cross fertilize. The two earthworms mate by attaching their clitella and exchanging sperm, then they separate. The received sperm is temporarily stored in receptacles so that the clitella can create a mucous cocoon. The cocoon slides along the worm picking up eggs that are produced in the ovaries. The stored sperm is released through female and male gonophores and is picked up by the cocoon. The cocoon then slips off the worm’s head and the embryos develop inside.

And the Earthworm’s life continues… An earthworm’s sperm is produced within the testes which is located inside the seminal vesicles. The sperm is then transferred to the male gonophores by the vas deferens. The female reproductive structures consist of a pair of ovaries which is connected to the female gonophores by a series of small passageways.

The Reproductive Life of a Frog In order for a frog to reproduce, it needs to reach a water source such as a pond or a stream. When a frog arrives at the water source, the male frog calls to attract a mate. The call us unique to that species and will attract a female of that species. Then, the male and female frogs undergo amplexus which involves the male mounting the female and grasping her tightly.

Frog Reproduction Continued… Fertilization is external; the egg and sperm meet outside the body, The female then releases her eggs, which the male frog covers with a sperm solution. The eggs then swell and develop a protective coating. The color of the eggs are generally brown or black.

Reproduction of the Human… Male The male produces the sperm which then comes in contact with the female egg. The sperm is then delivered to the reproductive tract of the female.

…Female The female produces the eggs and is equipped to receive sperm from the male. The female body provides an environment which is beneficial to fertilization and implantation. As well, the female body nourishes the developing baby before and after birth.