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Questions and Answers
What are sponges classified as?
What are sponges classified as?
animals
Do sponges have tissues?
Do sponges have tissues?
False
Are sponges the most primitive animal?
Are sponges the most primitive animal?
True
Are sponges multicellular?
Are sponges multicellular?
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Do sponges possess differentiated cells?
Do sponges possess differentiated cells?
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What makes sponges different from kelp?
What makes sponges different from kelp?
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What makes a sponge an animal?
What makes a sponge an animal?
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What is the function of pinacocytes?
What is the function of pinacocytes?
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What is the function of choanocytes?
What is the function of choanocytes?
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What is the function of amoebocytes?
What is the function of amoebocytes?
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What is the function of sclerocytes?
What is the function of sclerocytes?
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What is the function of porocytes?
What is the function of porocytes?
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What are spicules?
What are spicules?
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What are the three skeleton compositions of sponges?
What are the three skeleton compositions of sponges?
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What is the large opening at the top of the sponge called?
What is the large opening at the top of the sponge called?
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What is the series of interconnected passages inside of the inner cavity of the sponge called?
What is the series of interconnected passages inside of the inner cavity of the sponge called?
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What is the sessile anchor of the sponge called?
What is the sessile anchor of the sponge called?
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Where does incurrent water pass through the sponge first?
Where does incurrent water pass through the sponge first?
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Where is food filtered in the sponge?
Where is food filtered in the sponge?
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Where is the excurrent water pushed out of the sponge?
Where is the excurrent water pushed out of the sponge?
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Which filtering mechanism is the simplest?
Which filtering mechanism is the simplest?
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Which cell type is responsible for regeneration and asexual reproduction in the sponge?
Which cell type is responsible for regeneration and asexual reproduction in the sponge?
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What is the inner region of the sponge, sandwiched between layers of pinacocytes called?
What is the inner region of the sponge, sandwiched between layers of pinacocytes called?
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What property of sponges allows them to be sustainably farmed?
What property of sponges allows them to be sustainably farmed?
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Study Notes
Sponge Classification and Characteristics
- Sponges are classified as animals.
- They are considered the most primitive type of animal.
- Sponges exhibit multicellularity and possess differentiated cells.
Unique Features
- Unlike kelp, sponges have differentiated cells.
- Sponges have the following key characteristics:
- Multicellularity
- Heterotrophy (obtaining food from other organisms)
- Sexual reproduction
- Absence of a cell wall
- Motility
- Ability to respond to stimuli
Cellular Functions
- Pinacocytes: Form the body wall of the sponge.
- Choanocytes: Responsible for water pumping and filtering.
- Amoebocytes: Undifferentiated cells that transport materials within the sponge; involved in regeneration and asexual reproduction.
- Sclerocytes: Secrete spicules, which contribute to the sponge’s structure.
- Porocytes: Contractile cells that line openings in the body wall.
Structure and Composition
- Spicules: Serve as the skeletal structure of sponges; can be elastic, glass, or stone.
- Osculum: The large opening at the top of the sponge through which water exits.
- Spongocoel: The inner cavity of the sponge, consisting of interconnected passages.
- Holdfast: The sessile anchor that attaches the sponge to a surface.
- Mesohyl: The inner region sandwiched between the layers of pinacocytes.
Water Flow and Feeding
- Incurrent water enters through the sides of the body wall.
- Food is filtered in the spongocoel.
- Excurrent water is pushed out through the osculum.
Filtering Mechanisms
- The simplest filtering mechanism among sponges is the asconoid type.
Sustainability
- The property of regeneration in sponges allows them to be sustainably farmed.
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Description
Test your knowledge of sponges with these flashcards! Learn about their classification, tissue structure, and cellular organization. Ideal for students studying marine biology or animal classification.
