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Questions and Answers
Match the sponge types with their descriptions:
Match the sponge types with their descriptions:
Asconoid = Simple structure with a single central cavity Syconoid = More complex with folded walls Leuconoid = Most complex with numerous small chambers Euplectella = Commonly known as the Venus flower basket
Match the sponge with its ecological role:
Match the sponge with its ecological role:
Euplectella = Forms a symbiotic relationship with shrimp Spongilla = Produces gemmules for survival in harsh conditions Asconoid = Maximizes water flow for feeding and waste removal Syconoid = Increases surface area for filtration efficiency
Match the reproduction method with the corresponding sponge:
Match the reproduction method with the corresponding sponge:
Spongilla = Produces gemmules Euplectella = Forms symbiotic relationships Asconoid = Simple structure facilitates water flow Syconoid = More complex structure allows for filtration
Match the type of sponge with its taxonomy:
Match the type of sponge with its taxonomy:
Match the characteristic with the correct sponge:
Match the characteristic with the correct sponge:
Match the following classes of Porifera with their descriptions:
Match the following classes of Porifera with their descriptions:
Match the methods of asexual reproduction in sponges with their definitions:
Match the methods of asexual reproduction in sponges with their definitions:
Match the evolutionary traits of Porifera with their significance:
Match the evolutionary traits of Porifera with their significance:
Match the layers of sponge anatomy with their functions:
Match the layers of sponge anatomy with their functions:
Match the ecological roles of sponges with their descriptions:
Match the ecological roles of sponges with their descriptions:
Match the stages of sexual reproduction in sponges with their characteristics:
Match the stages of sexual reproduction in sponges with their characteristics:
Match the characteristics of sponges with their classifications:
Match the characteristics of sponges with their classifications:
Match the aquatic environments where sponges are found with their specificity:
Match the aquatic environments where sponges are found with their specificity:
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Study Notes
Taxonomy
- Phylum: Porifera (sponges)
- Major classes:
- Calcarea: Calcareous sponges, calcium carbonate spicules.
- Hexactinellida: Glass sponges, silica spicules, often cup-shaped.
- Demospongiae: Largest class, varied forms, includes most familiar sponges, silica spicules and spongin fibers.
- Hexactinellida: Also known as glass sponges, characterized by a siliceous skeleton.
Reproduction
- Asexual reproduction:
- Budding: New individuals develop from a part of the parent sponge.
- Fragmentation: Pieces of sponge can grow into new sponges.
- Sexual reproduction:
- Most sponges are hermaphroditic, producing both sperm and eggs.
- Fertilization typically occurs in the water (external fertilization).
- Larval stage: Free-swimming larvae (parenchymula or amphiblastula) that settle to form new sponges.
Evolutionary History
- Porifera is one of the oldest animal phyla, dating back over 600 million years.
- Fossil evidence shows sponges existed before the Cambrian explosion.
- Key evolutionary traits include the development of specialized cells (choanocytes) and a simple body plan.
Anatomy
- Body structure:
- Asymmetrical, with a porous body allowing water circulation.
- Composed of three main layers:
- Outer layer (pinacoderm): Made of pinacocytes.
- Middle layer (mesohyl): Gelatinous matrix containing cells and skeletal elements.
- Inner layer (choanoderm): Lined with choanocytes (collar cells) for water filtration.
- Skeletal structure:
- Composed of spicules (calcium carbonate or silica) and/or spongin (collagen fibers).
Ecological Role
- Habitat: Found in marine and freshwater environments, often in shallow waters.
- Role in ecosystems:
- Filter feeders; help in nutrient cycling by filtering water and removing bacteria.
- Provide habitat and shelter for various marine organisms.
- Contribute to coral reef structures.
Canal System
- Types of canal systems:
- Asconoid: Simple structure with a single central cavity (spongocoel).
- Syconoid: More complex, with folded walls, allowing for increased surface area.
- Leuconoid: Most complex, with numerous small chambers and canals, maximizing water flow and filtration efficiency.
- Water flow is crucial for feeding, respiration, and waste removal.
Euplectella
- Commonly known as the "Venus flower basket."
- Characterized by a glass-like skeleton made of silica.
- Forms a symbiotic relationship with shrimp, which live inside the sponge for protection.
Spongilla
- Freshwater sponge, part of the class Demospongiae.
- Forms colonies and is often found in lakes and streams.
- Known for its ability to produce gemmules (a form of asexual reproduction) that can survive harsh conditions.
Taxonomy
- Phylum Porifera encompasses sponges, categorized into four major classes:
- Calcarea: Characterized by calcium carbonate spicules, forming calcareous sponges.
- Hexactinellida: Known as glass sponges, they possess silica spicules and are often cup-shaped.
- Demospongiae: The largest class, showcasing varied forms, primarily featuring silica spicules and spongin fibers.
- Hexactinellida (mentioned twice, potentially an error): Defined by a siliceous skeleton.
Reproduction
- Asexual reproduction occurs through:
- Budding: New sponges develop from a portion of the parent.
- Fragmentation: Pieces of sponge can regenerate to form new individuals.
- Sexual reproduction involves:
- Most sponges being hermaphroditic, capable of producing both sperm and eggs.
- External fertilization typically takes place in the water.
- The larval stage includes free-swimming forms (parenchymula or amphiblastula), which settle to create new sponges.
Evolutionary History
- Porifera is amongst the oldest animal phyla, with origins traced back over 600 million years.
- Fossil records indicate the presence of sponges predating the Cambrian explosion.
- Key evolutionary advancements include the emergence of specialized cells (choanocytes) and a basic body structure.
Anatomy
- The sponge body exhibits asymmetry and features a porous structure for effective water circulation.
- Comprised of three primary layers:
- Outermost layer (pinacoderm): Made of pinacocytes.
- Middle layer (mesohyl): A gelatinous matrix that contains various cells and skeletal components.
- Innermost layer (choanoderm): Lined with choanocytes responsible for water filtration.
- Skeletal makeup includes spicules (made of calcium carbonate or silica) and/or spongin (collagen fibers).
Ecological Role
- Habitats include marine and freshwater environments, predominantly in shallow waters.
- Ecological contributions of sponges:
- Act as filter feeders, playing a key role in nutrient cycling by cleaning water and removing bacterial presence.
- Provide essential habitat and shelter for numerous marine organisms.
- Contribute structurally to coral reef ecosystems.
Canal System
- Sponges have different types of canal systems:
- Asconoid: Basic design with a single spongocoel (central cavity).
- Syconoid: More intricate, featuring folded walls that enhance surface area.
- Leuconoid: The most advanced system, having many small chambers and canals, optimizing water flow and filtration efficiency.
- Water flow is vital for sponge feeding, respiration, and waste removal.
Euplectella
- Also referred to as the "Venus flower basket."
- Recognized for its glass-like, silica-based skeletal structure.
- Establishes a symbiotic relationship with shrimp that inhabit the sponge for safety.
Spongilla
- A freshwater sponge belonging to the Demospongiae class.
- Commonly forms colonies and inhabits lakes and streams.
- Notable for its gemmule production, enabling survival during harsh environmental conditions.
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