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Understanding Sponges: Evolutionary Simplicity in the Animal Kingdom

Sponges are among the earliest forms of animal life, showcasing exceptional success through their simplicity. Lacking symmetry, tissues, or organ systems, they thrive in freshwater and coastal regions. Sizes range from large to tiny, and they serve as habitats for various small organisms, including worms and shrimp. Their unique body structure is composed of tough protein fibers and glass-like spicules. Sponges filter-feed by drawing water through microscopic pores, utilizing collar cells to capture food, which is then digested by specialized amoeboid cells.

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Understanding Sponges: Evolutionary Simplicity in the Animal Kingdom

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  1. Lecture 5Animal Evolution – The Invertebrates

  2. 1. Sponges-success in simplicity • No symmetry, tissues/organs • Abundant from the early earth. • Inhabitants of freshwater/coastal regions. • Sizes vary from very large to tiny ones • Home to worms, shrimps & many small animals. • Several shapes-flattened, sprawling, lobed, compact, tubelike, vaselike. • Filter feeders

  3. Body Structure • Body is stiff due to tough protein fibers, sharp, glasslike spicules of calcium carbonate & silica. • Some are coated with slime, some are stinky. • Flattened cells lines-outer layer/inner cavities. • Amoeboid cells live in between these linings. • Flow of water-through microscopic pores & chambers when phagocytic collar cells beat their flagella. • Collar cells-inner lining, engulfs bacteria & other edibles. • Some food sent to amoeba-like cells for further digestion, absorption & breakdown.

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