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Sponges. Phylum Porifera. Sponge Ecology. Found from intertidal zone to depths of 6000 meters World-wide distribution from polar seas to tropical waters. Over 5000 species of sponges exist in ocean environment 150 species are adapted to freshwater environments. Anatomy of a Sponge.
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Sponges Phylum Porifera
Sponge Ecology • Found from intertidal zone to depths of 6000 meters • World-wide distribution from polar seas to tropical waters
Over 5000 species of sponges exist in ocean environment • 150 species are adapted to freshwater environments
Anatomy of a Sponge • Simplest animal • Asymmetrical • No true tissues • Lack muscles, nerves and internal organs
Filter Feeders that pump water throughout body extracting nutrients
Spicules • Stiffened rods or spikes made of calcium carbonate or silica • Used for structure and defense • Many fish cannot digest the spicules, so sponges are not in their diet.
Research concerning the spicules of the Venus’ Flower Basket Sponge promises to yield new technology with Fiber Optics
SPONGE FACTS... • Pore bearer (latin) • Primative • Sessile • Mostly Marine
3 Classes of Sponges • Calcarea • (bony sponges) • Hexactenellida • (Glass sponges) • Demospongiae • (spongin sponges) • Most common type
Elephant Ear Sponge Vase Sponge