Podcast
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?
What type of cells line the central cavity and canals in sponges?
What type of cells line the central cavity and canals in sponges?
How do sponges primarily reproduce sexually?
How do sponges primarily reproduce sexually?
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?
Signup and view all the answers
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?
Signup and view all the answers
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
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge about Phylum Porifera, commonly known as sponges. Learn about their characteristics, body structure, and water transport system.
