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Questions and Answers
What type of organisms are sponges categorized as?
What type of organisms are sponges categorized as?
Sponges have a well-defined nervous system.
Sponges have a well-defined nervous system.
False
Name one representative species of freshwater sponges.
Name one representative species of freshwater sponges.
Spongilla lacustris
The largest and most complex body type of sponges is called __________.
The largest and most complex body type of sponges is called __________.
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Match the different body types of sponges to their characteristics:
Match the different body types of sponges to their characteristics:
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Which characteristic is NOT true for sponges?
Which characteristic is NOT true for sponges?
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Sponges can only reproduce asexually through gemules.
Sponges can only reproduce asexually through gemules.
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What type of cells create the internal water current in a sponge?
What type of cells create the internal water current in a sponge?
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The body type of sponges that has a simple tube with pores is called __________.
The body type of sponges that has a simple tube with pores is called __________.
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Match the types of sponge body structures with their descriptions:
Match the types of sponge body structures with their descriptions:
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Study Notes
Phylum Sponges (Porifera)
- Sponges belong to the group Diblastica
- They have ectoderm and endoderm layers
- Primarily marine organisms, but some live in fresh water
- Sessile (attached), except for their larvae stage
- Simplest multicellular organisms
- Lack tissues, only cellular-level organization
- Heterotrophic organisms, acting as filter feeders
- Multicellular
- Have two basic cell types: somatic cells and gametes
General Characteristics
- Filter feeders with intracellular digestion
- Lack a nervous or sensory system
Body Structure
- Composed of four cell types:
- Choanocytes: Collar cells lining the spongocoel, create internal water flow using flagella.
- Epidermal cells: Form the outer layer.
- Amoebocytes: Found in the mesohyl, responsible for digestion, nutrient transport, and skeletal support (e.g., spicules).
- Porocytes: Form pores in the sponge body allowing water flow.
- Spicules: Provide structural support to the sponge, composed of calcium carbonate or silica.
Body Types
- Asconoid: Simple tube with pores, single osculum.
- Syconoid: Larger than asconoid, single osculum, thicker body wall allowing for increased surface area and water flow.
- Leuconoid: Largest and most complex, composed of masses of tissues, penetrated by canals, and multiple oscula, greatly increasing water flow and filtering capacity.
Reproduction
- Hermaphrodites
- Asexual reproduction through gemules, which are created in the mesohyl, a gelatinous matrix surrounding cells.
- Sexual reproduction (usually cross-fertilization), releasing sperm.
- Exhibit high regeneration ability.
Representative Sponges
- Spongilla lacustris: Lives in fresh water
- Venus flower basket (Euplectella aspergillum): Marine species, up to 60 cm in size.
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Description
Explore the fascinating world of sponges, the simplest multicellular organisms in the animal kingdom. This quiz covers their general characteristics, body structure, and unique adaptations as filter feeders. Test your knowledge about their life cycle, body types, and cellular organization.
