Questions and Answers
What phylum do sponges belong to?
Porifera
What type of symmetry do sponges exhibit?
Asymmetrical
What makes sponges similar to other animals in the animal kingdom?
Multicellular, heterotrophic, lack cell walls and produce sperm cells
What makes sponges different from other animals?
Signup and view all the answers
What do sponges look like?
Signup and view all the answers
How do sponges eat?
Signup and view all the answers
How do sponges reproduce?
Signup and view all the answers
What are any special or unique characteristics of sponges?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Sponges Overview
- Belong to the phylum Porifera
- Exhibit asymmetrical body symmetry
Classification in the Animal Kingdom
- Multicellular organisms
- Heterotrophic, meaning they obtain food from organic sources
- Lack cell walls, differentiating them from plant cells
- Produce sperm cells for reproduction
Structural Differences
- Lack true tissues and organs, setting them apart from more complex animals
Feeding Mechanism
- Utilize filter-feeding: Water is drawn through the sponge via tiny incurrent pores
- Channels and chambers inside the sponge trap bacteria and tiny particles for nourishment
- Collar cells (choanocytes) play a key role in trapping food and facilitating digestion while also allowing oxygen exchange from water
Reproduction
- Reproduce both asexually (budding or fragmentation) and sexually (producing eggs and sperm)
Unique Characteristics
- Choanocytes: Specialized cells that create water flow with their flagella while absorbing nutrients through their collars.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge on the unique characteristics of sponges with these flashcards. Learn about their phylum, symmetry, and what sets them apart in the animal kingdom. Perfect for biology students seeking to master this fascinating topic.
