Members of this phylum are commonly known as sponges. They are generally marine and mostly asymmetrical animals. These are primitive multicellular animals and have cellular level o... Members of this phylum are commonly known as sponges. They are generally marine and mostly asymmetrical animals. These are primitive multicellular animals and have cellular level of organisation. Sponges have a water transport or canal system. Water enters through minute pores (ostia) in the body wall into a central cavity, spongocoel, from where it goes out through the osculum. This pathway of water transport is helpful in food gathering, respiratory exchange and removal of waste. Choanocytes or collar cells line the spongocoel and the canals. Digestion is intracellular. The body is supported by a skeleton made up of spicules or spongin fibres. Sexes are not separate (hermaphrodite), i.e., eggs and sperms are produced by the same individual. Sponges reproduce asexually by fragmentation and sexually by formation of gametes. Fertilisation is internal and development is indirect having a larval stage which is morphologically distinct from the adult. Read more

Understand the Problem

The question describes the characteristics and biological processes of sponges, which are members of a specific phylum. It covers aspects such as their anatomy, physiology, reproduction, and lifecycle.

More Information

Porifera means 'pore bearer', which is fitting because sponges have openings called ostia through which water flows.

Tips

A common mistake is to confuse the characteristics of sponges with those of other simple aquatic animals. Remember that sponges have a unique water transport system.

Sources

• Sponge - en.wikipedia.org
• Phylum Porifera – Characteristics, Examples with Question and Videos - toppr.com
• The members of which phylum are commonly known as sponges? - testbook.com