Phylum Porifera
Porifera (pore-bearers) is the scientific term for sponges. A sponge is a porous bottom dweller/ filter feeder found on the bottom of the ocean and is the simplest multicellular animal. They live their entire lives attached to one spot.
Porifera contain Ostia, which are small pores covering the sponge. They also have an Oscula, that is a large hole at the top of the sponge. They reproduce using sexual and/or asexual reproduction. They body plan is Asymmetrical, they have no front or back sides. They use diffusion for respiration, circulation, and excretion. Food is filteres, they breathe, and excrete through the oscula. They circulate through cellular division.
Porifera use spongin, spicules, chemicals, and gives rashes to defend themselves. These sponges are threatened by pollution, over collection, snd trampling.
There are two types of sponges. One is an encrusting sponge. It covers the surfaces of rocks. The other is the Free-standing sponges. There are two types: the barrel sponge and the tube sponge.
Porifera contain Ostia, which are small pores covering the sponge. They also have an Oscula, that is a large hole at the top of the sponge. They reproduce using sexual and/or asexual reproduction. They body plan is Asymmetrical, they have no front or back sides. They use diffusion for respiration, circulation, and excretion. Food is filteres, they breathe, and excrete through the oscula. They circulate through cellular division.
Porifera use spongin, spicules, chemicals, and gives rashes to defend themselves. These sponges are threatened by pollution, over collection, snd trampling.
There are two types of sponges. One is an encrusting sponge. It covers the surfaces of rocks. The other is the Free-standing sponges. There are two types: the barrel sponge and the tube sponge.