When an earthworm secretes a slime layer to receive eggs and sperm and form a 'cocoon,' this secretion is produced by the

Options

A. peritoneum
B. clitellum
C. nephridium
D. prostornium

Explanation

To answer the question regarding which part of the earthworm secretes the slime layer to receive eggs and sperm and form a cocoon, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand the Structure of the Earthworm**:
- The earthworm has various segments, and each segment has specific functions. It is important to identify which segment or structure is responsible for reproduction.

2. **Identify the Options Given**:
- The options provided are: Peritoneum, Clitellum, Nephridium, and Prostomium.

3. **Analyze Each Option**:
- **Peritoneum**: This is a membrane that covers the organs, particularly the heart, but it is not involved in reproduction.
- **Clitellum**: This is a thick glandular tissue found in segments 14 to 16 of the earthworm. It plays a crucial role in reproduction by secreting mucus that forms a slime layer for the eggs and sperm.
- **Nephridium**: This is the excretory organ of the earthworm, responsible for waste removal, not reproduction.
- **Prostomium**: This is the fleshy lobe that is part of the first segment of the earthworm, primarily involved in sensing the environment and not in reproductive functions.

4. **Determine the Correct Answer**:
- Since the clitellum is responsible for secreting the mucus that forms the slime layer for the cocoon, the correct answer is **Clitellum**.

5. **Conclusion**:
- The secretion that forms the slime layer to receive eggs and sperm in an earthworm is produced by the **Clitellum**.