Phylum Porifera Quiz and Flashcards for Study

Questions and Answers

What is an osculum?

A large opening on a sponge through which filtered water is expelled (correct)

A type of spicule

A small opening on a sponge

A body form of sponge

What is a spicule?

Needlelike structures that give support and protection to the sponge body.

What is a choanocyte?

Cells that line the body cavity and have flagella that circulate water.

What is budding?

A form of asexual reproduction in which a new organism grows off of the body of a parent. Signup and view all the answers

What is Class Calcarea?

Class of sponges whose spicules are made of hardened calcium carbonate. Signup and view all the answers

What is Class Hexactinellida?

Class of sponges known as glass sponges, with spicules made of silica. Signup and view all the answers

What is Class Demospongiae?

The largest class of sponges with around 7,000 species that have silica spicules and/or spongin. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the Ascon body form.

A stalk-like spongocoel covered with a single layer of choanocytes. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the Sycon body form.

The spongocoel has folded canals lined with choanocytes, increasing surface area. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the Leucon body form.

No central cavity, narrow canals, many small interconnected chambers and lots of internal surface area. Signup and view all the answers

What are ostia?

Small in-current holes on the body of a sponge that allow water to flow into the sponge. Signup and view all the answers

What are pinacocytes?

The outside layer of cells on a sponge that protect the sponge and form ostia. Signup and view all the answers

What is the mesohyl layer?

The jelly-like layer below pinacocytes where mesenchyme cells are found. Signup and view all the answers

What are mesenchyme cells (amoebocytes)?

Different amoeboid cells moving in the mesohyl layer for reproduction, secreting structures, food transport and storage. Signup and view all the answers

What is spongin?

A fibrous protein made of collagen that some sponges produce, giving them a spongy body. Signup and view all the answers

What is a gemmule?

An asexual reproductive structure consisting of a cluster of cells encased in a hard, spicule-reinforced shell. Signup and view all the answers

What is fragmentation?

A means of asexual reproduction where a single parent breaks into parts that regenerate into new individuals. Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean if an organism is monoecious?

It has both male and female reproductive organs in the same organism; it is hermaphroditic. Signup and view all the answers

What is asexual reproduction?

A reproductive process involving only one parent that produces genetically identical offspring. Signup and view all the answers

What is sexual reproduction?

A reproductive process involving two parents that fuse genetic material to produce a new organism. Signup and view all the answers

What is Phylum Porifera?

The phylum that includes sponges. Signup and view all the answers

What is Class Homoscleromorpha?

Class of sponges with spicules made of silica, known as encrusting sponges. Signup and view all the answers

What are filter feeders?

Organisms that take in water to filter out food and release excess water. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Phylum Porifera (Sponges) Overview

Sponges belong to the Phylum Porifera, a group of simple, aquatic organisms known for their porous bodies.
They perform filtration feeding by drawing water through their bodies to extract food particles.

Key Terminology

Osculum: Large opening through which filtered water is expelled from the sponge.
Spicule: Needlelike structures providing support and protection, preventing entry of small animals.
Choanocyte (Collar Cells): Specialized cells with flagella that create water currents for filtering food.
Budding: Asexual reproduction method where new organisms grow off the parent sponge.
Asexual Reproduction: Process involving one parent to produce genetically identical offspring.

Classes of Sponges

Class Calcarea: Characterized by calcium carbonate spicules; includes simple forms of sponges.
Class Hexactinellida: Known as glass sponges, distinguished by silica-based spicules.
Class Demospongiae: Largest class with around 7,000 species; features silica spicules and/or spongin.
Class Homoscleromorpha: Smallest class of sponges with silica spicules, often encrusting in form.

Sponge Body Forms

Ascon Body Form: Features a simple, stalk-like structure with a single layer of choanocytes lining the spongocoel.
Sycon Body Form: More complex with folded canals lined with choanocytes, enhancing surface area for filtration.
Leucon Body Form: Highly complex with no central cavity, featuring narrow canals and numerous interconnected chambers.

Sponge Structure and Function

Ostia: Small incurrent holes that facilitate water influx into the sponge.
Pinacocytes: Protective outer layer of cells that also form ostia; serve as a skin for the sponge.
Mesohyl Layer: Jelly-like layer beneath pinacocytes; contains various cell types including amoebocytes.
Mesenchyme Cells (Amoebocytes): Amoeboid cells involved in reproduction, structure secretion, and nutrient transport.
Spongin: Collagen-derived protein that provides spongy texture and flexibility to some sponges.

Reproductive Structures and Processes

Gemmule: Asexual reproductive structure encased in a hard shell, produced during adverse environmental conditions.
Fragmentation: Asexual reproduction involving the splitting of the parent sponge into parts that regenerate.
Monoecious: Organisms possess both male and female reproductive organs (hermaphroditic) allowing for internal fertilization.
Sexual Reproduction: Involves two parents that contribute genetic material to produce genetically diverse offspring.

Feeding Mechanism

Filter Feeders: Sponges filter water to extract food, showcasing their role in aquatic ecosystems as efficient filter feeders.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Test your knowledge of Phylum Porifera with these flashcards. Learn about key terms like osculum, spicule, and choanocyte, and understand their functions within sponge anatomy. Perfect for biology students or anyone interested in marine life!