<P> Some polychaetes exhibit remarkable reproductive strategies . Some species in the genus Eunicie reproduce by epitoky . For much of the year , these worms look like any other burrow - dwelling polychaete , but as the breeding season approaches , the worm undergoes a remarkable transformation as new , specialized segments begin to grow from its rear end until the worm can be clearly divided into two halves . The front half , the atoke , is asexual . The new rear half , responsible for breeding , is known as the epitoke . Each of the epitoke segments is packed with eggs and sperm and features a single eyespot on its surface . The beginning of the last lunar quarter is the cue for these animals to breed , and the epitokes break free from the atokes and float to the surface . The eye spots sense when the epitoke reaches the surface and the segments from millions of worms burst , releasing their eggs and sperm into the water . </P>
<P> Some polychaetes exhibit remarkable reproductive strategies . Some species in the genus Eunicie reproduce by epitoky . For much of the year , these worms look like any other burrow - dwelling polychaete , but as the breeding season approaches , the worm undergoes a remarkable transformation as new , specialized segments begin to grow from its rear end until the worm can be clearly divided into two halves . The front half , the atoke , is asexual . The new rear half , responsible for breeding , is known as the epitoke . Each of the epitoke segments is packed with eggs and sperm and features a single eyespot on its surface . The beginning of the last lunar quarter is the cue for these animals to breed , and the epitokes break free from the atokes and float to the surface . The eye spots sense when the epitoke reaches the surface and the segments from millions of worms burst , releasing their eggs and sperm into the water . </P>
where might new segments be added during growth in a polychaete worm
where might new segments be added during growth in a polychaete worm
rear end
rear end