Phylum Porifera The Sponges
Phylum Porifera Simplest of all multicellular animals Cellular level of organization
Characteristics of Porifera Size: 2mm to 2m Colorful Mostly marine, all aquatic Radial symmetry or none
Characteristics Both sexual (release sperm into water, embryo becomes a swimming larva) and asexual reproduction (fragmentation) Sessile Pore bearing Canals
Basic Structure
Filter Feeders Sessile Water currents carry food and oxygen in and waste out Choanocytes: collar cells that beat flagella for water flow to capture fod Osculum: opening at top through which water exits
Classified by type of Spicules
Class Calcarea Spicules of calcium carbonate Straight or 3 or 4 rays Tubular or vase shaped 10 cm or less
Class Hexactinellida Glass sponges Spicules are 6 rayed 7.5 cm to 1.3m Tubular or vase shaped
Class Demospongiae Most sponges Spicules are siliceous, but not 6 rayed Diverse shapes Bath sponges (no spicules)