Calcarea Flashcards - Phylum Porifera

Study Notes

Class Calcarea (Phylum Porifera)

Organisms lack symmetry, tissues, organ systems, nerves, and true musculature.

Mesohyl

A gelatinous matrix found between the outer and inner layers of the sponge, providing structural support and housing various cells.

Pores (Ostia)

Small openings on the surface of sponges through which water enters; essential for filtration and feeding processes.

Spicules

Structural elements made of calcium carbonate in Calcarea sponges, providing support and defense.

Leucosolenia

Body type characterized by X-shaped spicules; categorized as Asconoid, which is a simple tubular structure.

Sycon

Another body type within Calcarea, typically more complex than Asconoid, facilitating improved water flow and food capture.

Spicule Types

Various forms of spicules exist, associated with different sponge classes, crucial for identifying and classifying species.

Class Demospongiae

The only sponge class with a single body type.
Contain siliceous spicules composed of silicic acid.
Exhibit a Leuconoid body structure, allowing for a greater surface area for filter feeding.

Spongilla

A genus of freshwater sponges known for their ecological importance and ability to filter water.

Spongia

Commonly referred to as bath sponge, utilized in personal hygiene.

Cliona

A genus of sponges known as boring sponges, which can inhabit and erode shell and rock substrates.

Spongin

A fibrous protein that forms a supportive network in certain sponges, particularly in commercial bath sponges.

Siliceous Spicules

Spicules made from silica, primarily found in Demospongiae and Hexactinellida, providing structural strength.

Calcareous Spicules

Spicules made from calcium carbonate, characteristic of Calcarea sponges, aiding in their identification.

Hexactinellida

Exclusively syconoid body type with 6-pointed spicules.
Known for their glass-like structural strands.

Euplectella

A genus often associated with the term “love” due to its unique shape and reproductive characteristics, sometimes referred to as "Venus's Flower Basket."

Fossil Sponge Examples

Girtocoelia and Astraeospongia are notable fossilized sponge genera, providing insights into ancient marine ecosystems.

Megascleres

Large average-sized spicules that provide structural support and identification features.

Microscleres

Smaller and less common spicules that serve various functions, often specific to sponge species.

Apopyle vs. Prosopyle

Apopyle refers to the opening through which water exits a sponge chamber, while prosopyle denotes the entrance connecting to the chamber.

Fascicle

A bundle of spicules or fibers that may contribute to the overall structure and strength of the sponge.

Sieve Plate

A filtering structure allowing the passage of water and small particles, playing a crucial role in the sponge's feeding mechanism.

Description

Test your knowledge of Calcarea within the phylum Porifera with these flashcards. Each card explores key terms like mesohyl, Ostia anatomy, and the unique body types and structures of Calcarea. Perfect for students looking to deepen their understanding of sponge anatomy and characteristics.

Calcarea Flashcards - Phylum Porifera

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Questions and Answers

What are Calcarea lacking?

What is the anatomy of mesohyl?

What is the anatomy related to pores Ostia?

What spicules are present in Calcarea?

What body type does Leucosolenia have?

What is unique about the body type of Class Demospongiae?

What is Spongia commonly referred to as?

What are Megascleres?

What are Microscleres?

What type of spicules do Hexactinellida have?

What is the definition of Apopyle vs Prosopyle?

What can be classified as a fossil sponge?