Sponges

Classification:

Domain Eukarya

KingdomAnimalia

PhylumPorifiera – 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

1st level of cellular organization (No Tissue)

3 types of cellsCollar 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

SexuallyHermaphroditic – 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