Phylum Porifera: The Sponges

Questions and Answers

Food gathering and respiratory exchange

Marine animals

Skeleton made up of spicules or spongin fibres

Hermaphrodite (both sexes produced by the same individual) Signup and view all the answers

By fragmentation Signup and view all the answers

Food gathering, respiratory exchange, and waste removal Signup and view all the answers

Choanocytes or collar cells Signup and view all the answers

Intracellularly Signup and view all the answers

Spicules or spongin fibres Signup and view all the answers

Formation of gametes and internal fertilization Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Sponges are commonly known as Porifera, a type of animal.
The body of sponges is supported by a skeleton composed of calcium carbonate or silica spicules.

The water transport or canal system in sponges is helpful for bringing food particles and oxygen to cells and removing waste products.
The main function of the water transport system is to facilitate the exchange of materials between the sponge and its environment.

The spongocoel (central cavity) and canals in sponges are lined with specialized cells called choanocytes.

Digestion in sponges is an intracellular process, meaning it occurs within cells.

Sponges are hermaphroditic, meaning they have both male and female reproductive organs.
Sponges reproduce asexually through the formation of gemmules, which are specialized structures that can develop into new individuals.
Sponges reproduce sexually by releasing sperm and eggs into the water column, which then fuse to form a zygote.