PHYLUM PORIFERA

INTRODUCTION

Phylum Porifera, commonly known as sponges, represents one of the simplest and most primitive multicellular organisms in the animal kingdom. This phylum includes a wide variety of marine and freshwater species that exhibit diverse shapes, sizes, and colors. Sponges possess unique structural and physiological characteristics, lacking true tissues and organs. In this article, we will explore the key features, classification, anatomy, reproduction, ecological significance, and evolutionary history of Phylum Porifera.

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CHARACTERISTICS OF PHYLUM PORIFERA

• Sponges are fascinating organisms that exhibit a simple body structure characterized by a porous system through which water flows. Unlike other animals, they lack true tissues and organs, but instead, possess specialized cells that perform specific functions.
• The outer surface of a sponge is covered by a layer of flattened cells called pinacocytes, while the inner surface is lined with flagellated cells known as choanocytes.
• Choanocytes have a central flagellum surrounded by a collar of microvilli, which create water currents and aid in filter feeding. The middle layer, called the mesohyl, contains various types of cells and a proteinaceous skeleton composed of either spicules or spongin fibers.
• Phylum Porifera encompasses approximately 9,000 known species, which are classified into three major classes: Calcarea, Hexactinellida, and Demospongiae. The Calcarea class includes sponges with calcium carbonate spicules, which provide structural support. Hexactinellida, commonly known as glass sponges, possess intricate siliceous spicules that give them a glass-like appearance.
• Demospongiae is the largest and most diverse class, comprising the majority of sponge species. Demosponges are characterized by a flexible protein skeleton or the absence of skeletal elements.

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EXAMPLES OF PHYLUM PORIFERA

Phylum Porifera, or sponges, encompasses a diverse range of species with various shapes, sizes, and habitats. Here are a few examples of sponges found within this phylum:

1. Grantia: Grantia is a genus of marine sponges belonging to the class Calcarea. These sponges have a tubular or vase-like shape and are often found attached to rocky surfaces or shells. They have a skeleton composed of calcium carbonate spicules.
2. Venus’ Flower Basket (Euplectella aspergillum): This unique sponge belongs to the class Hexactinellida and is commonly found in the deep waters of the Pacific Ocean. It has a delicate, glass-like skeleton formed by intricate siliceous spicules arranged in a lattice-like structure.
3. Barrel Sponge (Xestospongia muta): The barrel sponge is a large and barrel-shaped species found in tropical and subtropical marine environments. It belongs to the class Demospongiae and is known for its massive size, reaching several feet in height. Barrel sponges often have a brown or purple coloration.
4. Orange Elephant Ear Sponge (Agelas clathrodes): This sponge is a member of the class Demospongiae and is characterized by its distinctive bright orange color and large, fan-shaped morphology. It is commonly found in Caribbean reefs and provides shelter to various marine organisms.
5. Glass Rope Sponge (Hyalonema): Hyalonema is a genus of glass sponges belonging to the class Hexactinellida. These sponges have long, flexible, and rope-like structures composed of siliceous spicules. They are typically found in deep-sea environments.
6. Breadcrumb Sponge (Halichondria panicea): The breadcrumb sponge is a common species found in shallow marine waters, particularly in the North Atlantic Ocean. It belongs to the class Demospongiae and has a crumbly, breadcrumb-like appearance, hence its name.
7. Red Encrusting Sponge (Clathria species): Clathria species are encrusting sponges that form thin layers over various substrates, including rocks, coral reefs, and shipwrecks. They belong to the class Demospongiae and are known for their bright red or orange coloration.

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STRUCTURE OF SPONGE

Sponges exhibit a remarkable range of body forms and morphologies, allowing them to adapt to various ecological niches. They can be encrusting, forming a thin layer over the substrate, or vase-shaped with a hollow central cavity. Some sponges are tube-shaped or possess complex branching structures. These different forms provide sponges with the ability to capture food efficiently and occupy diverse habitats. While most sponges are sessile, permanently attaching themselves to the substrate, some species are capable of limited mobility.

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REPRODUCTION IN PORIFERA

The reproductive strategies of sponges are highly diverse. Most sponges are hermaphroditic, possessing both male and female reproductive organs within the same individual. They can reproduce both sexually and asexually. Asexual reproduction occurs through budding, where new individuals develop from outgrowths called buds. Fragmentation is another common method of asexual reproduction, where fragments of the sponge can regenerate into new individuals. Sexual reproduction takes place when sperm released into the water are captured by neighboring sponges and used to fertilize eggs. The fertilized eggs develop into larvae, which are released into the water column to disperse and settle in new locations.

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IMPORTANCE OF SPONGES

Sponges play crucial ecological roles in marine and freshwater ecosystems. They are considered filter feeders, extracting organic particles, bacteria, and small organisms from the water column. As water passes through their porous bodies, nutrients are absorbed while waste products are expelled. By filtering and recycling nutrients, sponges help maintain water quality and contribute to the overall balance of marine and freshwater ecosystems. Furthermore, their three-dimensional structures provide habitats for a wide range of organisms. Sponges create complex microhabitats within their bodies, offering shelter and refuge for various invertebrates, juvenile fish, and other small organisms.

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CONCLUSION

In conclusion, Phylum Porifera encompasses a diverse group of organisms known as sponges. These primitive multicellular animals lack true tissues and organs but possess a unique anatomy adapted for filter feeding. With their variety of forms and reproductive strategies, sponges play important roles in marine and freshwater ecosystems. Their ecological significance, coupled with the potential pharmaceutical value of their bioactive compounds, makes sponges an intriguing subject of scientific research.

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