6 Questions
What is the common name for members of the phylum Porifera?
Sponges
Which structure in sponges is responsible for water entry?
Ostia
What type of symmetry do most sponges exhibit?
Asymmetry
What supports the body structure of sponges?
Spicules or spongin fibres
How do sponges reproduce asexually?
Fragmentation
What is a characteristic feature of sponge development?
Development with a larval stage
Study Notes
Phylum Porifera
- Members of this phylum are commonly known as sponges, which are generally marine and mostly asymmetrical animals.
- They are primitive multicellular animals with a cellular level of organisation.
- Sponges have a water transport or canal system, which consists of minute pores (ostia) in the body wall that lead to a central cavity called the spongocoel, and then out through the osculum.
- The water transport system is useful for food gathering, respiratory exchange, and removal of waste.
- Choanocytes or collar cells line the spongocoel and canals.
Body Structure
- The body is supported by a skeleton made up of spicules or spongin fibres.
Reproduction
- Sponges are hermaphrodites, meaning they produce both eggs and sperm.
- They can reproduce asexually by fragmentation and sexually by forming gametes.
- Fertilisation is internal, and development is indirect, involving a larval stage that is morphologically distinct from the adult.
Examples of Porifera
- Examples of sponges include Sycon, Euspongia, and Spongilla.
Learn about the characteristics and features of phylum Porifera, commonly known as sponges, including their structure, water transport system, and primitive multicellular organization.
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