Final answer:
The nematode has made two important contributions to genetics: it serves as a model organism for studying genetics, and the study of its reproduction provides insights into genetic basis and evolutionary strategies of reproduction.
Step-by-step explanation:
One contribution to genetics that the nematode has made is its role as a model organism for studying genetics. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has a simple structure, with about 1,000 cells and a genome of only 20,000 genes. Its transparency allows researchers to easily observe and monitor genetic changes within the organism. This makes it an ideal candidate for studying cellular phenomena and genetic processes.
Another contribution is the study of nematode reproduction. Nematodes employ a variety of reproductive strategies, including monoecious (hermaphrodite), dioecious (separate sexes), and parthenogenetic (asexual) reproduction.
Caenorhabditis elegans is unique in having both self-fertilizing hermaphrodites and males that can mate with the hermaphrodites. Studying nematode reproduction provides valuable insights into the genetic basis of reproduction and the evolution of reproductive strategies.