Marine Invertebrates Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What characteristic distinguishes invertebrates from vertebrates?

Ability to reproduce sexually

Absence of a backbone (correct)

Presence of a complex nervous system

Existence in a terrestrial habitat

What survival adaptation do sponges have that contributes to their longevity?

Development of hard shells

Capacity to thrive in hostile environments (correct)

Formation into colonies

Ability to reproduce quickly

Which method can sponges use to reproduce?

Budding only

Fission only

Asexual reproduction through regeneration (correct)

Only sexual reproduction

What do most cnidarians primarily feed on?

Microorganisms Signup and view all the answers

How long can some sponges potentially live?

Thousands of years Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a member of the cnidarian phylum?

Echinoderms Signup and view all the answers

What ancient period do some sponge fossils predate?

The Jurassic Period Signup and view all the answers

Why are sponges sometimes used in household cleaning today?

Due to their porous structure that retains water Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true about sponges?

They are among the oldest living species on Earth Signup and view all the answers

What typically characterizes the body structure of sponges?

Soft, porous body with no true tissues Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant reason why sponges can thrive in hostile environments?

They can survive without sunlight and nourishment. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the body structure of sponges?

Squishy and porous. Signup and view all the answers

How do cnidarians primarily acquire their food?

By filtering water through their pores. Signup and view all the answers

What unique ability allows sponges to reproduce without a mate?

Fragmentation of the body. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about sponges is true?

Some species can live for thousands of years. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes cnidarians?

They include species like coral and jellyfish. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of both sponges and cnidarians?

They primarily feed on microorganisms. Signup and view all the answers

What method of water circulation do sponges utilize?

Filtered siphoning through their porous bodies. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of sponges contributes to their role in ecology?

They serve as a habitat for other marine organisms. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the phylum Cnidaria from other invertebrate phyla?

Specialized stinging cells. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Marine Invertebrates

Marine Invertebrates make up at least 97% of the world's animal life.
Marine invertebrates don't have a backbone.
Sponges and Cnidarians are both marine invertebrates.

Sponges

Sponges are aquatic invertebrates with squishy, porous bodies.
They can be found on the seafloor and atop rocks.
Sponges are some of the oldest species on Earth, older than dinosaurs.
They can survive in some of the most hostile conditions.
Sponges have numerous pores which allow them to filter water and feed on the microorganisms contained within it.
Sponges were once used to wash dishes.
Sponges can reproduce with or without a mate.
Sponges can reproduce through regeneration, releasing a fragment of themselves that grows into a new sponge.
Sponges can live for thousands of years.

Cnidarians

Cnidarians are a phylum of aquatic invertebrates that include coral and jellyfish.
Cnidarians are some of the first multicellular forms of life on Earth.
There are over 9,000 species of Cnidarians.
Most Cnidarians, like sponges, feed on microscopic organisms.
Some Cnidarians filter water through their pores to collect food.
Some Cnidarians, such as jellyfish, use spiny barbs that contain venom to disable their prey.
Cnidarians have a digestive chamber instead of a digestive tract.
Cnidarians swallow their prey and absorb the nutrients.
The size of Cnidarians ranges greatly.
Some polyps that make up a coral reef can be millimeters in size.
Some large jellyfish can reach lengths that are greater than the width of a football field.

Marine Invertebrates

Invertebrates are animals without a backbone that protects the spinal column.
They are most abundant in the marine environment because water provides support.
They play critical roles in marine ecosystems, including feeding and providing habitats.

Sponges

Sponges are aquatic invertebrates with porous, squishy bodies.
They are considered some of the oldest species on Earth, with some fossils predating dinosaurs.
They can survive in a variety of harsh environments, including polar depths and caves with limited light and nourishment.
They filter water through their pores to feed on microorganisms.
They were historically used as household sponges.
They can reproduce through regeneration or by releasing larvae that swim to new locations.
Some sponges can live for thousands of years.

Cnidarians

Cnidarians are a phylum of aquatic invertebrates that include corals, jellyfish, and sea anemones.
They are considered one of the first multicellular forms of life on Earth.
There are over 9,000 species with diverse structures, habitats, and feeding methods.
Most cnidarians feed on microorganisms.
Some filter water to collect food, while others use venomous stingers to paralyze prey.
They have a digestive chamber instead of a complete digestive tract.
They swallow prey, absorb nutrients, and discard waste.
Their size ranges from millimeters (polyps) to several meters (jellyfish).

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Description

Test your knowledge about marine invertebrates, focusing on sponges and cnidarians. This quiz covers their characteristics, reproduction methods, and ecological significance. Discover fascinating facts about these ancient life forms and their roles in marine ecosystems.