Phylum Porifera
Representative Animals: Sponges
Habitat: Porifera are found underwater. Most species live in salt water rather than fresh water but their are a few exceptions.
Reproductive System: Porifera have both Asexual and Sexual reproduction. Asexual reproduction takes place by budding. Sexual reproduction A sponge releases male gametes which are then obtained by a neighboring sponge by method of diffusion.
Respiratory System: Respiration within a sponge takes place by diffusion. A water current flows through the sponge bringing both gas and nutrients.
Digestive System: Sponges do not have a digestive system but obtain nutrients through diffusion. They are called filter feeders. Specialized flagella lined cells (collar cells) create a current that filters water through their pores and out their internal cavity. Nutrients are absorbed during this process by the specialized cells called Amoebocytes.
Reproductive System: Porifera have both Asexual and Sexual reproduction. Asexual reproduction takes place by budding. Sexual reproduction A sponge releases male gametes which are then obtained by a neighboring sponge by method of diffusion.
Respiratory System: Respiration within a sponge takes place by diffusion. A water current flows through the sponge bringing both gas and nutrients.
Digestive System: Sponges do not have a digestive system but obtain nutrients through diffusion. They are called filter feeders. Specialized flagella lined cells (collar cells) create a current that filters water through their pores and out their internal cavity. Nutrients are absorbed during this process by the specialized cells called Amoebocytes.
Circulatory System: Porifera do not have a circulatory system.
Type of Symmetry: Porifera are most commonly asymmetrical but can also have radial symmetry.
Type of Coelom: Porifera have no coelom.
Type of Body Plan: Porifera use canals and pores (diffusion) to perform life functions.
Number of body layers: Porifera have no real body layers but they do have 2 cell layers; an outer layer that makes up the epidermis, and an inner layer that makes the inner cavities.
Specialized Cells: Porifera have specialized cells called choanocytes (collar cells). Collar cells with cytoplasm covered flagella that help to provide water’s flow.
Amoebocytes are cells that perform similar tasks of a circulatory system and store nutrients.
Type of Symmetry: Porifera are most commonly asymmetrical but can also have radial symmetry.
Type of Coelom: Porifera have no coelom.
Type of Body Plan: Porifera use canals and pores (diffusion) to perform life functions.
Number of body layers: Porifera have no real body layers but they do have 2 cell layers; an outer layer that makes up the epidermis, and an inner layer that makes the inner cavities.
Specialized Cells: Porifera have specialized cells called choanocytes (collar cells). Collar cells with cytoplasm covered flagella that help to provide water’s flow.
Amoebocytes are cells that perform similar tasks of a circulatory system and store nutrients.