Phylum Porifera pore bearer Sponges Multicellular Sessile Variety

Phylum Porifera “pore bearer”

Sponges • • • Multicellular Sessile Variety of shapes, sizes, and colors Cellular level of organization Filter feeders Breathes by diffusion

Parts of a Sponge • Porocytes (pore cells)- allow water to enter • Choanocytes (collar cells)-cells have flagella which creates current • Osculum-opening for water to leave • Spicules and spongin-supports skeleton

Encrusting Sponge

Glass Sponge

Coralline Sponges

Tube Sponge

Barrel Sponge

Elephant Ear Sponge

Carnivorous Sponge • Discovered within last 5 years

Colors of a sponge • Usually depends on the level of sunlight • High amounts of light result in more color because of the algae living inside • Low amounts of light result in more dull colors

Habitat • About 8000 species • Freshwater and Saltwater • Can be found in caves, around reefs, or on ocean floor • Provide habitat and food for a number of animals • Competitive for living space- release chemicals and toxins

Reproduction of Sponges • Reproduce asexually and sexually • Most produce male/female gametes • Spawning - gametes are released into water (form of sexual reproduction) • Asexual reproduction – budding and regeneration

Economic Importance • • Cleaning (household and cars) Bathing (very abrasive) Arts and Crafts Bacteria found in sponges used to produce medicine