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Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of the water transport system in sponges?
What is the primary function of the water transport system in sponges?
- Excretion
- Reproduction
- Photosynthesis
- Respiratory exchange (correct)
What type of cells line the central cavity and canals in sponges?
What type of cells line the central cavity and canals in sponges?
- Neurons
- Erythrocytes
- Osteocytes
- Choanocytes (correct)
How do sponges primarily reproduce sexually?
How do sponges primarily reproduce sexually?
- External fertilization
- Budding
- Internal fertilization (correct)
- Fragmentation
What is the main component of the skeleton that supports the body of sponges?
What is the main component of the skeleton that supports the body of sponges?
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In what way are sponges different from most animals in terms of sex?
In what way are sponges different from most animals in terms of sex?
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Study Notes
Characteristics of Sponges
- Multicellular animals with a cellular level of organisation
- Mostly marine and asymmetrical in shape
- Possess a water transport or canal system
Water Transport System
- Water enters through minute pores (ostia) in the body wall
- Water enters into a central cavity, spongocoel
- Water exits through the osculum
- Pathway of water transport is helpful for: • Food gathering • Respiratory exchange • Removal of waste
Body Structure
- Body lined by choanocytes or collar cells in the spongocoel and canals
- Digestion occurs at the intracellular level
- Body supported by a skeleton made up of: • Spicules • Spongin fibres
Reproduction
- Sexes are not separate (hermaphrodite), producing both eggs and sperms
- Reproduce asexually by fragmentation
- Reproduce sexually by formation of gametes
- Fertilisation is internal
- Development is indirect, having a larval stage
- Larval stage is morphologically distinct from the adult
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Description
Test your knowledge about Phylum Porifera, commonly known as sponges. Learn about their characteristics, body structure, and water transport system.
