Biology Chapter 3: Phylum Porifera

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary characteristic of the body organization of Porifera?

Organ grade

Tissue grade

Organ system grade

Cellular grade (correct)

In which type of environment are most sponges found?

Freshwater lakes and streams

Terrestrial habitats

Marine water (correct)

Deep ocean environments

How do sponges typically reproduce?

Sexually through gametes

Parthenogenesis

Vegetative propagation

Asexually by budding and fragmentation (correct)

What is the function of the spongioblasts in sponges?

Secretion of spongin fibres Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the central cavity in a sponge's body?

Spongocoel or atrium Signup and view all the answers

How do sponges exchange respiratory gases and nitrogenous wastes?

By the process of diffusion Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of the skeleton of Calcarea sponges?

Composed entirely of calcium carbonate Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical size of Calcarea sponges?

Less than 30cm in size Signup and view all the answers

What is the shape of Sycon ciliatum sponges?

Fingerlike body shape Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the unique canal system in Sycon sponges?

Facilitating water flow for feeding and waste removal Signup and view all the answers

In what type of water are Calcarea sponges usually found?

Shallow water Signup and view all the answers

What is the phylum of Sycon sponges?

Porifera Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of the tube walls of Leucosolenia variabilis?

Thin and soft Signup and view all the answers

What is the common habitat of Leucosolenia variabilis?

Intertidal and shallow-subtidal areas Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of Hexactinellida spicules?

Six-pointed and siliceous Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Venus’ flower basket?

To filter miniscule food particles from seawater Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Leucosolenia to humans?

They have no known importance Signup and view all the answers

What is the common name for Hexactinellida sponges?

Glass sponges Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary indicator of the presence of freshwater sponges in a body of water?

Clean streams, lakes, and rivers Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mode of feeding for sponges?

Filter feeding Signup and view all the answers

What is the genus of the species Spongilla lacustris?

Spongilla Signup and view all the answers

What is the class of the species Spongilla lacustris?

Desmospongiae Signup and view all the answers

What is the order of the species Spongilla lacustris?

Spongillida Signup and view all the answers

What is the division of the species Spongilla lacustris?

Porifera Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary component of the cylindrical skeleton of the Glass Rope Sponge?

Silica Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the Glass Rope Sponge?

Has a well-developed organ system Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Glass Rope Sponge reefs?

To serve as a shelter for invertebrates and fish Signup and view all the answers

Which species of sponge is commonly used as a wedding gift in Japan?

Hyalonema Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of living sponges does the Demospongiae class represent?

90% Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of food for crustaceans in relation to the Euplectella aspergillum?

Its body waste Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Body Organization and Habitat

Porifera, or sponges, exhibit a simple body organization characterized by a porous structure with a lack of true tissues and organs.
Most sponges inhabit marine environments, though some species are found in freshwater.

Reproduction and Gas Exchange

Sponges typically reproduce both sexually and asexually, through budding or gemmule formation.
They exchange respiratory gases and nitrogenous wastes through diffusion across their cell membranes.

Structure and Skeleton

The spongioblasts in sponges are responsible for producing spongin, a fibrous protein that contributes to the sponge's structure.
The central cavity in a sponge's body is known as the atrium or spongocoel.
Calcarea sponges have a skeleton made of calcium carbonate spicules, which gives them a rigid structure.

Characteristics of Specific Sponges

Calcarea sponges are generally small, often not exceeding 10 cm in height.
Sycon ciliatum sponges exhibit a tubular shape, allowing efficient water flow.
The unique canal system in Sycon sponges enhances water circulation and feeding efficiency.
Calcarea sponges are typically found in shallow marine waters.

Classification and Habitat

Sycon sponges belong to the phylum Porifera.
Leucosolenia variabilis has thin tube walls that are easily permeated by water, facilitating filtration.
Commonly, Leucosolenia variabilis is found in marine habitats, often on rocky substrates.

Unique Features of Other Sponge Classes

Hexactinellida spicules are characterized by silica content and are hexaxon in structure.
The Venus’ flower basket has the primary function of providing structural support and habitat for small sea creatures.

Importance to Humans and Environmental Indicators

Leucosolenia has ecological significance, aiding nutrient cycling and serving as a food source for other marine life.
Hexactinellida sponges are commonly referred to as glass sponges due to their transparent, glass-like appearance.
The presence of freshwater sponges, such as those in the genus Spongilla, indicates good water quality.

Feeding and Class Information

Sponges primarily feed through filter feeding, trapping food particles from water.
Spongilla lacustris belongs to the genus Spongilla, the class Demospongiae, and the order Spongillida.
The division of Spongilla lacustris is Porifera, indicating its classification as a sponge.

Notable Sponge Types and Functions

The cylindrical skeleton of the Glass Rope Sponge primarily comprises silica, providing unique structural properties.
Notably, Glass Rope Sponge reefs serve as important ecosystems and habitats for marine life.
In Japan, the species commonly used as a wedding gift is Euplectella aspergillum.
The class Demospongiae represents about 90% of all living sponge species.
Crustaceans primarily feed on detritus and microorganisms that are filtered out by sponges like Euplectella aspergillum.

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Description

Test your understanding of phylum Porifera, including its background, general characteristics, classification, and economic importance. This quiz covers the basics of sponges, their habitats, and more.