Sponges Phylum: Porifera
Sponge Characteristics Simplest animal Live in all oceans but prefer shallow tropical waters. Sessile Asymmetrical body plan Filter feeders – can filter several thousand liters a day.
Sponge Anatomy Osculum – water out Pores – water in Collar cells (chanocytes) – filter food particles
2 Main types of “Skeletal” Tissue 1. Spicule – a spike shaped structure made of calcium carbonate 2. Spongin – a soft protein, tough elastic fibers.
Sponge Reproduction
Types of Sponges 1. Encrusting – Flat – found in turbulent waters 2. Tubular – Tall – found in calm waters 3. Boring – make holes in whatever they are attached to 4. Pecten – found on living shellfish