Questions and Answers
Animals in Phylum Porifera are known informally as?
How do sponges obtain food?
They are suspension feeders/filter feeders.
What is the spongocoel?
The central cavity of a sponge lined with choanocytes.
What is the osculum?
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Because sponges represent a lineage that originates near the root of the phylogenetic tree, they are known as?
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Do sponges have true tissues?
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What are choanocytes and what is their function?
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What type of symmetry do poriferans have?
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What are a few reasons why sponges are considered basal animals?
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How many layers does a sponge have? Are they all cellular?
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How is the body of the sponge organized?
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What kinds of cells do you find in a sponge, and where are they located?
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What is the function of each type of cell in a sponge?
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What is a spicule, what is it made of, and what function does it perform?
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How do sponges get their nutrition?
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What is the purpose of the choanocyte collar?
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What is the purpose of the choanocyte flagellum?
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How do amoebocytes function in the sponge with respect to nutrition?
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How do sponges reproduce, and where do their gametes come from?
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Is it true that new sponge individuals will grow from fragmented pieces of a parent sponge?
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What are some of the important roles that sponges play in ecosystems?
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Study Notes
Phylum Porifera Overview
- Known informally as sponges, represent one of the simplest animal lineages.
- Considered basal animals due to their ancient lineage and simple body structure.
Feeding and Nutrition
- Sponges are suspension or filter feeders, capturing food particles from water passing through their pores.
- The central cavity (spongocoel) is lined with choanocytes, which play a crucial role in feeding.
Structure and Anatomy
- Spongocoel is a large cavity where water passes and is lined by choanocytes.
- The osculum is a large opening at the top of the sponge, allowing water to exit.
- Two cellular layers make up a sponge, with tightly packed epidermal cells forming the outer layer.
Cellular Composition
- Choanocytes: Also known as collar cells, equipped with flagella to create water currents and capture food particles.
- Amoebocytes: Located in the mesohyl, they digest food, distribute nutrients, and can transform into different cell types for adaptability.
- Epidermal cells: Form the external layer of the sponge.
Skeleton and Support
- Spicules are structural fibers found in the mesohyl, made of calcium carbonate, silica, or spongin, providing protection and support.
Symmetry and Tissue Structure
- Poriferans exhibit asymmetry, lacking true tissue and organs.
- The absence of germ layers and a complex body plan marks them as primitive animals closely related to choanoflagellates.
Reproductive Strategies
- Sponges can reproduce asexually through budding or fragmentation, and sexually with gametes produced by choanocytes or amoebocytes.
- Sperm is released into the water, where it may be captured by nearby sponges for fertilization.
Ecological Role
- Act as crucial filter feeders within aquatic ecosystems, improving water clarity and quality by removing bacteria and particulate matter.
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Description
Explore the fascinating world of Phylum Porifera with these flashcards designed to enhance your understanding of sponges. Learn about their feeding mechanisms, structures like the spongocoel, and more. Perfect for students wanting to dive deep into marine biology.