Fig. 1

Special modes of sexual reproduction in annelids. a Epigamy. The specimen becomes an epitoke and produces gametes. After mating, the individual often dies. b Schizogamy. Only the posterior part of the individual is transformed into a separate epitokous unit called stolon. Gametes could be also produced in non-stolon segments and later transferred into the latter. After maturation, the stolon detaches, mates and dies, whereas the stock regenerates its posterior end