Zoology Classes of Sponges Flashcards

What is the Class Calcarea characterized by?

What types of canal systems can Class Calcarea have?

Class hexactinellida sponges are primarily found in shallow water.

Which of the following features is associated with sponges in Class hexactinellida?

What materials make up the spicules of Class demospongiae?

Class sclerospongia is exclusively found in freshwater.

What is a distinctive feature of Class sclerospongia?

Class _______ includes sponges that can have leuconoid canal systems and are predominantly marine, with one family being freshwater.

Class Calcarea

Composed of sponges featuring calcium carbonate spicules, which can be needle-shaped or exhibit 3 or 4 rays.
Canal systems can be categorized as asconoid, syconoid, or leuconoid.
Habitat predominantly consists of shallow marine waters.

Class Hexactinellida

Characterized by sponges with siliceous spicules that are 3-dimensional and have 6 rays.
Spicules often form a network within the body, which is typically cylindrical or funnel-shaped.
Canal systems are classified as syconoid or leuconoid, with a habitat in deep marine environments.

Class Demospongiae

Comprised of sponges that may contain siliceous spicules (not limited to six rays), spongin, or a combination of both.
Canal systems are mainly leuconoid, with one known freshwater family, Spongilla.
The majority of this class inhabits marine environments; notable types include Spongia (common sponge) and Cliona (boring sponge).

Class Sclerospongia

Represents a small group of sponges with a leuconoid canal system.
Possesses an internal skeleton made of siliceous spicules combined with spongin and a protective outer layer of calcium carbonate.
Commonly found in marine environments, particularly associated with coral reef ecosystems.

Test your knowledge on the four classes of sponges with this flashcard quiz. Learn about the characteristics and classifications of Calcarea and Hexactinellida sponges, along with their unique features and canal systems. Ideal for students of zoology and marine biology.