Porifera (Sponges) biology
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Questions and Answers

Which cell type within sponges is primarily responsible for phagocytizing the smallest particles, accounting for approximately 80% of particulate organic carbon?

  • Choanocytes (correct)
  • Pinacocytes
  • Porocytes
  • Archaeocytes

How do sponges perform respiration and excretion?

  • Diffusion (correct)
  • Contractile vacuoles
  • Excretory glands
  • Specialized respiratory organs

What is the primary feeding mechanism of sponges?

  • Predatory capture of small organisms
  • Absorption of nutrients directly from the substrate
  • Filtration of particles suspended in water (correct)
  • Symbiotic relationships with algae

How does water flow through a sponge's body?

<p>Water enters through the ostia and exits through the oscula. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the origin of sperm in sponges?

<p>Choanocytes (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A scientist discovers a new species of marine organism. Which characteristic would classify it as a sponge?

<p>It is sessile as an adult and has numerous pores for water intake. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do archaeocytes play in sponge physiology?

<p>Digestion and transport of nutrients (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do environmental factors affect the growth patterns of sponges?

<p>The shape of the substratum, water current speed and direction, and space availability influence sponge growth. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What ecological role do the bioactive chemicals produced by some sponges and their associated microorganisms play?

<p>They can act as antimicrobial or antiviral agents, protecting against infections. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical range of particle sizes that sponges can consume?

<p>50 μm to 0.1 μm (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why do most predators avoid eating sponges?

<p>Sponges possess a rigid skeletal framework and often have a noxious odor that deters predators. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the sexual reproductive strategy observed in most sponges?

<p>Monoecious, with both male and female sex cells in one individual. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What advantage does the ability of some sponges to crawl provide?

<p>Competitive advantage for space (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A species of crab is observed attaching pieces of sponge to its carapace. What is the most likely reason for this behavior?

<p>To camouflage the crab and protect it from predators. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Certain bacteria isolated from sponges are found to inhibit Staphylococcus aureus infections. How might these bacteria be utilized?

<p>As a potential source of new pharmaceuticals. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key factor contributing to the ecological success of sponges?

<p>Their few natural enemies due to their unpalatability and chemical defenses. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of choanocytes in sponges?

<p>Generating water currents and capturing food particles. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which skeletal element combination is possible in sponges?

<p>Calcareous spicules and spongin fibers (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct order of water flow in asconoid sponges?

<p>Dermal pores → Spongocoel → Osculum (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is unique to asconoid sponges?

<p>Choanocytes lining the spongocoel (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a sponge is classified under the class Calcarea, which canal system type could it possess?

<p>Asconoid or Syconoid (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What adaptation do syconoid sponges exhibit compared to asconoid sponges to increase surface area for feeding?

<p>A more complex aquiferous system with incurrent and radial canals. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In syconoid sponges, where does water flow after passing through the prosopyles?

<p>Radial canals (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which cell type lines the spongocoel in syconoid sponges?

<p>Epithelial-type cells (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of the leuconoid sponge body plan compared to other sponge types?

<p>It increases the proportion of flagellated surfaces relative to volume, enhancing food capture. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In leuconoid sponges, how does water flow from the external environment to the osculum?

<p>Through incurrent canals, flagellated chambers, excurrent canals, then the osculum. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which cell type in sponges is responsible for creating water flow and capturing food particles?

<p>Choanocytes (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of myocytes in sponges?

<p>To regulate the rate of water flow through oscula and pores. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the mesohyl in sponge structure and function?

<p>It serves as connective tissue containing various cells and skeletal elements. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cell covers the exterior surface of a sponge and sometimes contains contractile elements?

<p>Pinacocytes (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of leuconoid sponges that distinguishes them from asconoid and syconoid sponges?

<p>The absence of a spongocoel and presence of flagellated chambers. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do porocytes facilitate water flow in asconoid sponges?

<p>By forming channels through the body wall for water to enter. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the defining characteristic of Hexactinellida sponges, as reflected in their name?

<p>A skeleton made of six-rayed siliceous spicules. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the trabecular reticulum in Hexactinellida sponges?

<p>A multinucleated syncytial tissue. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How are choanoblasts connected to the trabecular reticulum and other cells in Hexactinellida sponges?

<p>By cytoplasmic bridges. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of collar bodies in Hexactinellida sponges?

<p>Driving water flow for filter feeding. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Within the flagellated chambers of Hexactinellida, how are the primary and secondary reticula arranged relative to the collar bodies?

<p>The collar bodies extend through openings in both reticular sheets. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the space between the primary and secondary reticular sheets in the flagellated chambers of Hexactinellida?

<p>It receives incurrent water for food collection. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A researcher observes a sponge specimen with a syncytial body structure and six-rayed siliceous spicules. Which class does this specimen most likely belong to?

<p>Hexactinellida. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the flow of water through a flagellated chamber in Hexactinellida?

<p>Water enters through pores in the primary reticulum, flows around the collar bodies, and exits through the secondary reticulum. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the adaptive diversification in sponges, particularly in their feeding strategies, manifest across the phylum Porifera?

<p>The primary adaptive diversification in sponges is centered on the elaboration of water circulation and filter-feeding, with some exceptions like carnivorous sponges (cladorhizids). (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Considering the unique characteristics of Homoscleromorpha, what distinguishes them from other sponge classes regarding tissue organization and collagen type?

<p>Homoscleromorpha stand out due to possessing type IV collagen, a trait shared with other animals, and their pinacoderm approaches a true tissue structure. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the reproduction and development process in most sponges contribute to their widespread distribution and survival in diverse aquatic environments?

<p>Sponges utilize a combination of sexual reproduction (producing sperm and oocytes at different times) and asexual reproduction (fragmentation and budding). (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Given the absence of true tissues and organs in most sponges, how do they efficiently perform essential physiological functions such as nutrient acquisition and gas exchange?

<p>Sponges depend on the flagellar beat of their choanocytes to circulate water for gathering food and exchanging respiratory gases. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Considering the ecological roles of sponges, which of the following statements best describes the significance of their filter-feeding activity within aquatic ecosystems?

<p>Sponges help in maintaining water quality by filtering out particulate matter and bacteria, thus playing a crucial role in nutrient cycling. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Sponges

Simple, sessile organisms of the phylum Porifera with a porous body.

Marine and freshwater species

Most sponges are marine, with ~150 species found in fresh water.

Attachment

Sponges are attached to rocks, shells, or corals; they do not move.

Growth patterns

Sponges' appearance varies based on water currents and substratum.

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Commensals and parasites

Many animals such as crabs and fish live on or in sponges as commensals or parasites.

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Predator deterrent

Sponges have few natural enemies due to their tough structure and unpleasant taste.

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Bioactive chemicals

Sponges produce substances that have antimicrobial and antiviral properties.

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Ostia and oscula

Ostia are small pores for water intake; oscula are larger openings for water exit.

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Sycon

A commonly studied syconoid type of sponge, characterized by a specific canal system.

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Leuconoids

The most complex type of sponge organization, allowing larger sizes and more efficient water flow.

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Flagellated Chambers

Special chambers in leuconoid sponges that are filled with flagellated cells aiding in water movement.

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Osculum

The large opening in sponges through which water exits, facilitating water circulation.

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Spongocoel

A large central cavity in some sponge types; absent in leuconoids.

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Mesohyl

The connective tissue in sponges that contains various cells and structural elements.

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Pinacocytes

Thin, flat cells forming the outer layer of sponges, providing a protective surface.

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Choanocytes

Cells that line the canals of sponges, having flagella to help filter and move water.

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Asconoid

The simplest sponge body type with a single large osculum.

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Syconoid

Intermediate sponge body type with folded canals allowing more surface area for choanocytes.

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Radial canals

Folds in the syconoid sponge where choanocytes are located.

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Spicules

Small, needle-like structures that provide support for sponges.

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Hexactinellida

A class of sponges with six-rayed siliceous spicules forming a glass-like lattice.

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Syncytial Tissue

A type of tissue with many nuclei within a single large plasma membrane.

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Trabecular Reticulum

A continuous syncytial tissue structure in hexactinellids.

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Collagenous Mesohyl

Thin layer between trabecular reticulum layers containing various cells.

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Choanoblasts

Unique cells with flagellated outgrowths that create water flow.

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Primary and Secondary Reticulum

Bilayered sheets in the flagellated chamber, aiding water flow and filtration.

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Incurrent Water Direction

Water directed to primary reticulum to collect food; flows through pores.

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Feeding method

Sponges feed by pumping water through canals and trapping particles.

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Phagocytosis

Process of engulfing and digesting particles by sponges.

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Intracellular digestion

Digestion that occurs within the cells after phagocytosis.

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Respiratory function

Sponges lack lungs, relying on diffusion to exchange gases.

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Sexual reproduction

Most sponges are monoecious, containing both male and female sex cells.

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Asexual reproduction

Sponges can also reproduce by budding or fragmentation.

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Water pumping

Sponges can pump large volumes of water for filtration, up to 1500 liters a day.

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Adaptive Diversification

The evolutionary process by which organisms develop diverse adaptations to survive in varying environments.

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Homoscleromorpha

A class of sponges characterized by having type IV collagen similar to other animals.

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Gemmules

Internal buds used by sponges for asexual reproduction.

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Cladorhizids

A unique group of carnivorous sponges that do not filter-feed.

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Study Notes

Sponges: Phylum Porifera

  • Sponges are multicellular animals with a variety of forms
  • They are primarily marine, but some species are freshwater
  • The phylum Porifera includes over 5000 species
  • Sponges have a porous body
  • The body is supported by a skeleton, which may be composed of spicules (made of calcium carbonate or silica), spongin fibers, or both
  • Sponges have a unique canal system to circulate water through their bodies. This allows for feeding, gas exchange, and waste removal

Sponge Growth Habits and Forms

  • Some sponges stand erect, others are branched or lobed, or encrusting
  • Some sponges even bore into shells or rocks

Ecological Relationships

  • Most sponge species are marine, while some are freshwater
  • Few species occupy brackish water
  • Sponge embryos are free-swimming
  • Adults are attached to surfaces such as rocks, shells, corals, or other submerged objects
  • Some sponges live in association with other organisms, as commensals or parasites
  • Sponges may host various invertebrates in commensal relationships
  • Sponges as a group have have few enemies
  • Some sponges produce a variety of bioactive chemicals with antimicrobial or antiviral effects
  • These chemicals are sometimes used for medicinal purposes

Characteristics of Phylum Porifera

  • Sponges have no true tissues or organs
  • Cells that make up the sponge exhibit a high degree of independence
  • Body structure characterized by pores (ostium) and a large cavity (spongocoel)
  • Water currents move through the sponge's body
  • Their body structure may be asconoid, syconoid, or leuconoid

Form and Function

  • Sponges are sessile organisms
  • Water enters through pores (ostium) and exits through a large opening (oscula)
  • Sponges use choanocytes (collar cells) to keep water moving
  • Choanocytes also trap and consume food particles
  • Canal systems prevent canal collapse, which is supported by spicules, spongin fibers, or both

Types of Canal Systems

  • Sponges have three types of canal systems:
  • Asconoid: the simplest structure, exemplified by Leucosolenia and Clathrina
  • Syconoid: more complex, characterized by folds of choanoderm lining of canals (example: Sycon)
  • Leuconoid: most complex, characterized by flagellated chambers and multiple oscula

Types of Cells

  • Pinacocytes: thin, flat cells forming the outer layer
  • Porocytes: tubular cells that pierce the body wall
  • Choanocytes: collar cells that create water currents and filter feed
  • Archaeocytes: amoeboid cells that move in mesohyl (perform numerous functions)
  • Spongocytes: cells that secrete spongin
  • Collencytes: secrete fibrils of collagen

Types of Skeletons

  • Sponges have various types of skeletons.
  • Calcareous Sponges: spicules composed of calcium carbonate
  • Siliceous Sponges: spicules composed of silica
  • Hexactinellida: spicules are six-rayed, located in deep water, and often form a glass-like latticework
  • Demospongiae: skeleton can be of spicules, spongin fibers, or both, comprises most large sponges, including bath sponges
  • Homoscleromorpha: usually lack spicules, distinguished by basal lamina composed of ECM underlying the pinacoderm.

Sponge Physiology

  • Sponges feed on particles suspended in the water pumped through their canal systems
  • The smallest particles (accounting for 80% organic carbon) are phagocytized by choanocytes
  • Digestion is intracellular within archaeocytes
  • Sponges ingest material through phagocytosis
  • Sponges have no respiratory or excretory organs; they use diffusion

Reproduction and Development

  • Sponges reproduce both sexually and asexually.
  • Sexually: Most sponges are monoecious, having both male & female reproductive cells
  • Sperm arise from transformation of choanocytes
  • Ova arise from choanocytes or archaeocytes
  • Fertilization may occur within the sponge or in the water
  • Sponges reproduce asexually via fragmentation, budding or gemmules

Brief Survey of Sponges

  • Brief overview of the three sponge classes: Calcarea, Hexactinellida, & Demospongiae.

Taxonomy of Phylum Porifera

  • Detailed analysis of the taxonomy of various sponge classes: Calcarea, Hexactinellida & Demospongiae.
  • Discusses the features that define each class.

Phylogeny and Adaptive Diversification

  • Overview of sponge origins
  • The development of sponge morphology and diversity
  • Different feeding adaptations, including a unique group of carnivorous sponges (cladorhizids)
  • Notes on evolutionary relationships with other animal phyla.

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Sponges: Phylum Porifera Lecture Notes PDF

Description

Explore the biology of Porifera, commonly known as sponges. Questions cover cell types, respiration, feeding mechanisms, reproduction, ecological roles, and environmental adaptations of sponges.

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