Epitoky
Epitoky is when certain types of worms, like marine polychaete worms, transform into a different form for reproduction. Think of it like a caterpillar turning into a butterfly. When the time is right, the worm develops a special part of their body called an "epitoke" that looks different from the rest of their body. This new part of their body has special features that help the worm find a mate and reproduce.
Usually, the worms will live in a special type of water – like in an ocean or a lake – where they can find lots of food. When the worms are ready to reproduce, they start to make changes to their bodies. They start to grow the special "epitoke" part of their body right at the end of their tail. It's like their body is getting ready to create lots of tiny worm babies!
The "epitoke" is different from the rest of the worm's body. It's often brighter in color and has special features that help the worm attract a mate. For example, some epitokes might have eyespots that help the worm see other worms in the water. The epitoke can also release lots of eggs or sperm into the water to try and find a mate.
After the worms mate, the female epitoke releases the fertilized eggs into the water. These eggs develop into tiny larvae that grow up to become new worms. The epitoke part of the original worm then usually dies off after it has released all its eggs/sperm, and the worm goes back to having its original body.
So, in short, epitoky is when a certain type of worm transforms part of its body to make lots of worm babies. They grow a special part at the end of their tail that has special features to help them mate and reproduce. Once the babies are made, the special part usually dies off, and the worm goes back to being a normal worm.
Usually, the worms will live in a special type of water – like in an ocean or a lake – where they can find lots of food. When the worms are ready to reproduce, they start to make changes to their bodies. They start to grow the special "epitoke" part of their body right at the end of their tail. It's like their body is getting ready to create lots of tiny worm babies!
The "epitoke" is different from the rest of the worm's body. It's often brighter in color and has special features that help the worm attract a mate. For example, some epitokes might have eyespots that help the worm see other worms in the water. The epitoke can also release lots of eggs or sperm into the water to try and find a mate.
After the worms mate, the female epitoke releases the fertilized eggs into the water. These eggs develop into tiny larvae that grow up to become new worms. The epitoke part of the original worm then usually dies off after it has released all its eggs/sperm, and the worm goes back to having its original body.
So, in short, epitoky is when a certain type of worm transforms part of its body to make lots of worm babies. They grow a special part at the end of their tail that has special features to help them mate and reproduce. Once the babies are made, the special part usually dies off, and the worm goes back to being a normal worm.