In the earthworm Pheretima, the sperms are stored in the spermatheca. Let's understand how this process occurs in detail.

The spermatheca is a specialized structure in the reproductive system of earthworms. It is a small sac-like structure located in the female reproductive system. The spermatheca is responsible for storing the sperm received from the male during copulation.

Here is a breakdown of the process:

1. Copulation: Earthworms are hermaphrodites, meaning they have both male and female reproductive organs. During copulation, two earthworms align their ventral surfaces and exchange sperm. Each earthworm functions as both a male and a female during this process.

2. Sperm transfer: The male reproductive system of an earthworm consists of a pair of testes, seminal vesicles, and seminal funnels. The testes produce sperm cells, which then pass through the seminal vesicles and seminal funnels. From there, the sperm cells enter the male genital pore located on the ventral surface of the earthworm.

3. Sperm reception: The female reproductive system of an earthworm consists of a pair of ovaries, oviducts, and the spermatheca. During copulation, the sperm from the male is received by the female through the male genital pore. The sperm then travel through the oviducts to reach the spermatheca.

4. Sperm storage: The spermatheca serves as a storage organ for the received sperm. It is a muscular sac that can retain the sperm for an extended period. The sperm can be stored in the spermatheca until the earthworm is ready to fertilize its eggs.

5. Fertilization: When the earthworm is ready to lay its eggs, the stored sperm from the spermatheca is released into the oviducts. The sperm then fertilize the eggs as they pass through the oviducts, resulting in the production of fertilized eggs or cocoons.

Overall, the spermatheca in Pheretima plays a crucial role in storing and preserving the received sperm until it is needed for fertilization. This mechanism ensures successful reproduction in earthworms.

Spermatheca...refer ncert