1. Phylum Porifera: The Sponges
Biology 11
Phylum Porifera:
The Sponges

2. 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)

3. 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

4. Phylum Porifera

5. Phylum Porifera
Sponges have spicules between their cell layers for structural support
Glass-like sponge spicules

6. Phylum Porifera
Many sponges also contain a collagen material called spongin
This is what makes bath sponges from certain species

7. Nutrition: Filter feeding
Reproduction:
Asexual: budding via gemmules
Sexual: internal fertilization (larva, sperm and egg)
Respiration, circulation and excretion: water!

8. Water Flow Animation! Go to website: