1. Porifera (pore bearers or sponges)
By: Poppy and Talia

2. Characteristics/Symmetry:
Lack true tissues!
Have choanocytes (which are unique flagellated cells that ingest bacteria and tiny food particles and help regulate water flow in the digestive system).
Asymmetrical (no symmetry).

3. Mouth or Anus first? Segmentation?:
Porifera are neither protostomes or deuterostomes because they don’t contain a mouth or anus.
Porifera also do not contain segmentation.

4. Digestive plan? Skeleton?
The digestive system of Porifera is non-existant, as the sponges absorb their nutrients from the water through their pores.
They’re suspension feeders- they draw water through the spongocoel and then the water flows out of the osculum
Porifera skeleton is made up a soft skeletal fibers rather than actual bones.
Examples?
There are sponges such as a tube sponge, a common sea squirt, and a yellow sponge.

5. How can I remember Porifera?
The “Por” part of Porifera sounds like the word “pore”, which can then make you think of Sponge Bob and his multiple yellow pores, and then you’ll be reminded that Porifera are sponges!