Phylum Porifera
The aquatic animal phylum Porifera is well known for its sponges. Sponges are sessile, meaning they attach themselves to surfaces and cannot move.
Characteristics of phylum Porifera
- Asymmetrical body
- Lack true tissues, organs, or organ systems
- Water enters through pores, passes through the sponge’s body, and exits through a larger opening called the osculum
- Skeleton composed of spicules made of either calcium carbonate or silica
- Filter feeders
Porifera examples
Examples of porifera include glass sponge, the barrel sponge, and the bath sponge.
Some examples of porifera include the common bath sponge (Spongilla sp.), which is commonly used for cleaning and bathing, and the barrel sponge (Xestospongia muta), which can grow up to 6 feet tall and is found in coral reefs.
Porifera definition
Porifera, also known as sponges, are a group of aquatic animals that belong to the phylum Porifera. They are one of the simplest forms of multi-cellular animals and lack true tissues and organs. Instead, they have a porous body with numerous tiny pores and channels that allow water to flow through them.
Porifera can be found in all types of aquatic environments, from freshwater to saltwater. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, and can range from a few millimeters to several meters in size.
Porifera symmetry
Porifera exhibit a variety of symmetry types, ranging from asymmetry to radial symmetry. Asymmetrical sponges lack any recognizable symmetry and have irregular shapes. Radially symmetrical sponges have a circular or cylindrical body with a central cavity, and their pores and channels are arranged in a radial pattern around the central axis.
Porifera are filter feeders, meaning they obtain their food by filtering microscopic organisms from the water that flows through their bodies. They play an important role in aquatic ecosystems by filtering water and removing organic particles, which helps to maintain water quality. Additionally, some species of porifera produce compounds that have medicinal properties and are being studied for potential use in drug development.
