Phylum Porifera: The Sponges Biology 11 Phylum Porifera: The Sponges
Objectives Describe the body plan of a typical sponge (each cell’s role within the sponge) Water’s role in sponge survival Describe how a typical sponge reproduces and obtains nutrients (Chapter 26-2)
Phylum Porifera This phylum represents the first experiment in multi-cellularity for animals There are specialized cells, but they do no work cooperatively together - not tissues Simplest and most primitive animals Have changed little since they evolved
Phylum Porifera
Phylum Porifera Sponges have spicules between their cell layers for structural support Glass-like sponge spicules
Phylum Porifera Many sponges also contain a collagen material called spongin This is what makes bath sponges from certain species
Nutrition: Filter feeding Reproduction: Asexual: budding via gemmules Sexual: internal fertilization (larva, sperm and egg) Respiration, circulation and excretion: water!
Water Flow Animation! Go to website: http://www.biology.ualberta.ca/courses.hp/zool250/animations/Porifera.swf