Question

Which one of the following is hermaphrodite?
(a) Cockroach
(b) Earthworm
(c) Ant
(d) Termite

Answer 1

Hint: A hermaphrodite is an organism that contains partial or complete reproductive organs and can produce gametes for both male and female sexes. There are approximately 65000 hermaphroditic species of animals currently alive. Hermaphroditic animals constitute about $5\%$ of all animal species.

Complete Answer:
Cockroaches are insect species from the order of Blattodea. There are about 4600 species of cockroaches alive and 30 out of 4600 species are associated with human habitats.
Cockroaches originated around 300-350 million years ago during the Carboniferous period. Cockroaches are capable of surviving harsh climates ranging from the tropical heat to the cold arctic temperatures.
Ants are insects that belong to the family Formicidae and the order of Hymenoptera. Ants appeared around the world during the late Early Cretaceous and the early Late Cretaceous period. There are an estimated 22000 species of ants and 14000 species of ants have been classified till date.
Termites are insect species that belong to the order of Blattodea like cockroaches. Termites diverged from cockroaches during the Jurassic or Triassic period. Some studies state that termites originated around the Late Jurassic period. The first fossils predate the Early Cretaceous period. There are about 3100 species of termites that have been described.
Earthworms are found around the world where there is soil, water and optimal temperature. Earthworms usually live in soil where they consume organic matter. An earthworm's digestive system comprises its entire body. Earthworms respire through their skin. They have a central nervous system and a peripheral nervous system.
Earthworms are hermaphroditic organisms, i.e an individual earthworm carries both male and female reproductive organs. Earthworms develop their reproductive organs in 60-90 days after birth. Earthworms attain their full size within a year of birth. Earthworm mating occurs at night and at the surface. They are hermaphrodites with their reproductive organs located at segments 9 to 15.

Therefore the correct answer is (b) Earthworm

Note:
An earthworm is an invertebrate that belongs to the phylum Annelida. Earthworms have a tube in tube body plan. They are externally segmented and have internal segmentation corresponding to the external segmentation. Earthworms usually have setae on all of their segmentations.