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Questions and Answers
What is the primary characteristic of the body organization of Porifera?
In which type of environment are most sponges found?
How do sponges typically reproduce?
What is the function of the spongioblasts in sponges?
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What is the name of the central cavity in a sponge's body?
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How do sponges exchange respiratory gases and nitrogenous wastes?
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What is a characteristic of the skeleton of Calcarea sponges?
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What is the typical size of Calcarea sponges?
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What is the shape of Sycon ciliatum sponges?
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What is the function of the unique canal system in Sycon sponges?
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In what type of water are Calcarea sponges usually found?
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What is the phylum of Sycon sponges?
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What is the characteristic of the tube walls of Leucosolenia variabilis?
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What is the common habitat of Leucosolenia variabilis?
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What is the characteristic of Hexactinellida spicules?
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What is the primary function of the Venus’ flower basket?
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What is the significance of Leucosolenia to humans?
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What is the common name for Hexactinellida sponges?
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What is the primary indicator of the presence of freshwater sponges in a body of water?
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What is the primary mode of feeding for sponges?
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What is the genus of the species Spongilla lacustris?
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What is the class of the species Spongilla lacustris?
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What is the order of the species Spongilla lacustris?
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What is the division of the species Spongilla lacustris?
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What is the primary component of the cylindrical skeleton of the Glass Rope Sponge?
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Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the Glass Rope Sponge?
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What is the primary function of the Glass Rope Sponge reefs?
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Which species of sponge is commonly used as a wedding gift in Japan?
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What percentage of living sponges does the Demospongiae class represent?
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What is the primary source of food for crustaceans in relation to the Euplectella aspergillum?
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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.
