Question

Why is Leech considered to be a hermaphrodite?

Answer 1

Hint: Leech is a segmented parasite worm of the animal kingdom. Leech animal damages their host for their survival. Leech is categorised in a specific phylum, class, and subclass. The class is Clitellata and the subclass is Hirudinea. It belongs to the phylum Annelida.

Complete step-by-step answer:
In the Biological Classification system, living creatures are divided into two kingdoms- the animal kingdom and the plant kingdom. In the animal kingdom, 10 phyla are present. Leech's scientific name is Hirudinaria granulosa. Leech has a smooth, segmented, and muscular body, which can stretch and shrink. Leeches have a body structure, which is formed with several rings. Leech has suckers at each end of the body. It uses the suckers as hypodermic needles. They contain one to four pairs of eyes. Leeches can be found worldwide. Leeches reside in freshwater environments, terrestrial or marine environments. Leech is a parasite, which sucks blood from its host for survival. The digestive system of the Leech includes a pouch. Leech is hermaphrodite because it contains both female and male genital organs in a similar animal. Even though they are hermaphroditic, leeches are not self-nourishing.

Image: Hermaphrodite leech

Note: The body of leeches is developed with multiple ring-like structures. The execution organ is nephridia. Leeches have a closed circulatory system. Leeches have real Silom covered with mesoderm. The nervous system is formed by two axial nerves and a pair of cerebral ganglia. The protein present in the saliva of leeches aids in reducing pain. The protein was used during the civil war as an important form of therapy.