Sponges

Classification: Domain Eukarya Kingdom Animalia Phylum Porifiera – due to its pores * More than 7,000 named species *The rest of a sponge’s classification depends upon its characteristics.

Characteristics Full of pores Most have no symmetry Have NO digestive, circulatory or nervous system Primitive skeleton (spicules) Most live in salt water

Morphology 1 st level of cellular organization (No Tissue) 3 types of cells Collar cells Move water through sponge and trap food Amoeboid cells Carry food and waste to and from other cells Out cells Epidermis – outer skin

Eating Filter feed – mainly on bacteria Collar cells create currents Water comes in pores and out osculum Food is trapped by collar cells and picked up by amoeboid cells

Reproduction Sexually Hermaphroditic – both male and female Each sponge acts as only one gender though it has both reproductive systems Produce egg and sperm Sperm fertilizes eggs inside a “female” sponge Asexually Budding (cloning) Regeneration

Types of Sponges Barrel Sponge Tube Sponge

Movement Move only as a larva Adults don’t move

Uses Bathing Cleaning Absorbing water Surgical Pharmaceutical