Worms, specifically earthworms, are typically hermaphrodites, meaning they possess both male and female reproductive organs.
While they have both sets of reproductive organs, they generally cannot self-fertilize. This means they still require another worm to reproduce. During mating, two earthworms align themselves and exchange sperm. Each worm then fertilizes its own eggs using the received sperm and lays them in a cocoon. This cocoon is deposited in the soil, where the young worms will eventually hatch.
Therefore, while worms possess both male and female reproductive capabilities, they still require a partner for sexual reproduction, effectively meaning they function as distinct genders during the mating process.
