Phylum Porifera Flashcards

Sponges are multicellular organisms belonging to the phylum Porifera.

They are filter feeders, meaning they obtain nutrients by filtering water through their bodies.

The central cavity of a sponge lined with choanocytes, through which water flows.

The large opening at the top of a sponge through which water exits.

Sponges represent a lineage that evolved early in animal history, making them a basal group.

Sponges lack true tissues, which means their cells are not organized into complex structures like organs.

Flagellated cells lining the spongocoel, responsible for generating water currents and capturing food.

Sponges have no defined symmetry, meaning their bodies don't have a symmetrical shape.

They lack real tissues and organs, have a very simple body plan, and no germ layers.

Sponges consist of two layers of cells and a middle layer called mesohyl.

They have an outer layer (epidermis) with pores, a middle layer (mesohyl) with amoebocytes, a central cavity (spongocoel) lined with choanocytes, and spicules for support.

Choanocytes, amoebocytes, and epidermal cells.

Choanocytes filter food, amoebocytes digest food and distribute nutrients, and epidermal cells form the outer layer.

Tough skeletal fibers made of calcium carbonate or silica that provide structural support and protection.

Sponges capture food particles from water entering their pores.

The mucous lining of the choanocyte captures food and bacteria.

The choanocyte flagellum creates a current that drives water through the sponge.

Amoebocytes break down food, digest it, and distribute nutrients to other cells.

Sponges reproduce asexually by budding and sexually; gametes originate from choanocytes or amoebocytes.

Yes, new sponges can grow from fragments of a parent sponge.

Sponges are essential for filtering water in marine ecosystems by capturing bacteria.