Porifera Flashcards
What is the common name for members of the phylum Porifera?
Sponges
What type of symmetry do most sponges exhibit?
Asymmetrical
What level of organization do sponges have?
Cellular level of organisation
What is the function of the water transport or canal system in sponges?
Helpful in food gathering, respiratory exchange and removal of waste
Through what structures does water enter the sponge’s body wall?
Minute pores (ostia)
What is the central cavity of a sponge called?
Spongocoel
What cells line the spongocoel and canals in sponges?
Choanocytes or collar cells
How does digestion occur in sponges?
Intracellular
What supports the body of sponges?
Skeleton made up of spicules or spongin fibres
Are sponges hermaphroditic?
Yes
How do sponges reproduce asexually?
By fragmentation
What is the term for the production of gametes in sponges?
Sexual reproduction
Is fertilisation in sponges internal or external?
Internal
What type of larval stage do sponges have?
Morphologically distinct from the adult
What are the two types of larval stages mentioned?
- Amphiblastula
- Parenchymula
What are the two types of reproduction in sponges?
- Asexual reproduction
- Sexual reproduction
What are gemmules in sponges?
Spores produced under unfavourable conditions
What materials are spicules made of?
- Silica
- Calcium
What cells are located between pinacocytes and choanocytes?
Amoebocytes
What can amoebocytes differentiate into?
- Choanocytes
- Pinacocytes
- Gametes (egg and sperm)
What is the scientific name for the freshwater sponge?
Spongilla
What is the common name for Euspongia?
Bath sponge
Which sponges are radially symmetrical?
- Sycon
- Leucosolenia
What is the common name for Euplactela?
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