1. Phylum – PoriferaThe Sponges

2. General Information About 9000 different species. The most simple of all animals. Thought to be the first animals ever. Many found in the fossil record.

3. Thought to be related to protozoans called choanoflagellates. Sponges have cells called “collar cells” that look just like them. Evolution?

4. Choanocytes(collar cells) line inside of body cavity (spongocoel) Have flagella that spins to pull in water & food Collar traps plankton (food) from water Choanocytes of a Sponge Collar

5. All are aquatic. Most are marine Saltwater sponges are brightly colored Freshwater sponges are small and dull green color Asymmetrical Sessile as adults (attach to rocks) Characteristics

7. Size – about ½ inch to 6 feet.

8. Poriferameans pore-bearing Water enters through pores (ostia) bringing in food and oxygen Filter feeders on stuff like plankton Osculum – large opening at the top where excess water leaves Characteristics

9. Choanocytes line the gastrovascular cavity & capture food • Amebocytes digest & distribute food

10. Inside body cavity of sponge is a hollow space alled the Spongocoel. Have 2 cell layers with Jelly-like material between cell layers called mesoglea. The inside is lined with “collar cells” that have flagella that move the water into/out of the sponge body. Sponge Body Structure

11. Water Flow Through the Sponge WATER OUT WATER IN Osculum

12. Water Flow Through Sponge

13. Skeleton made of network of protein fibers called Spongin Spicules are hard spear or star-shaped structures Spicules made of CaCO3(like sea shells) or silica (glass) Skeletal Structure of the Sponge

14. Sponge Skeletons Silica Spicules Limestone Spicules SPONGIN

15. Sponges can regenerate (regrow) lost body parts through mitotic cell division (asexual) Sponges also reproduce asexually by budding Sponge Reproduction

16. Sponges are hermaphrodites (produce both eggs & sperm) Sponges reproduce Sexually by releasing eggs & sperm into the water from the Osculum Cross-fertilize each other’s eggs Sponge Reproduction Sponge releasing eggs & sperm

17. Gemmulesare specialized buds made to survive harsh weather (hot or cold) Become adult sponge conditions become favorable Surviving Harsh Conditions

18. Some animals use the sponge for camouflage or as a hiding place or home

19. the venus flower basket is the strongest “glass” structure known. it is so sturdy that it is being investigated by material scientists for the source of its strength.

20. Branching Tube Sponge

21. Stove Pipe Sponge

22. Vase Sponges

23. Barrel Sponges

24. Ball Sponges

25. Rope Sponges

28. Bath sponges…