In Earthworm male genital apertures are present ventrally in the segment

Options

A. 14th
B. 15th
C. 17th
D. 18th

Answer

To answer the question regarding the location of male genital apertures in earthworms, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand the Structure of Earthworms**:
- Earthworms have a segmented body, and different segments are responsible for various functions, including reproduction.

2. **Identify the Relevant Segments**:
- The question provides four options: 14th, 15th, 17th, and 18th segments. We need to determine which segment contains the male genital apertures.

3. **Examine the Clitellum**:
- The clitellum is a prominent structure in earthworms that is involved in reproduction. It is formed by segments 14, 15, and 16. This structure is important for cocoon formation but does not contain the male genital apertures.

4. **Look at the Genital Papillae**:
- The 17th segment, along with the 19th segment, is associated with the presence of genital papillae, which are involved in reproduction but are not the same as the male genital apertures.

5. **Identify the Male Genital Apertures**:
- The male genital apertures are specifically located in the 18th segment of the earthworm. This is the segment where the male reproductive system opens to the outside.

6. **Conclusion**:
- Based on the information gathered, the correct answer to the question is that the male genital apertures are present ventrally in the 18th segment of the earthworm.

### Final Answer:
- The male genital apertures in earthworms are present ventrally in the **18th segment**.