![]() Many sponge species contain toxic substances, probably in order to deter predators. Sponges are also important in science and medicine, but this is a discussion for another topic (see below). Also, through the structural complexity that they add to their environment, they provide refuge, spawning areas for fish and specialized habitats for other animals.įurthermore, sponges seem to play a role in the recirculation of carbon, phosphorous and nitrogen, thus preventing harmful ecosystem changes and helping other organisms in the area survive. They can remove up to 95% of bacteria and particles from the water and 90% of dissolved organic carbon, thereby converting suspended particles and dissolved matter into food for other animals. Sea sponges are important in nutrient cycles in coral reef systems. And this is why scientists believe they can be important factors to changes in water quality, whether good or bad. Sponges are master filters and, depending on the particular species, may filter from 1.000 to 20.000 liters per kilogram of tissue each day. One remarkable feature is the filtration capacity of sponges. Some of these buds break off from the main body, drift away and begin to grow again as new sponges on suitable substrate. Sponges that reproduce asexually do so by producing buds, which in essence are packets of several cells of various types inside a protective covering. Eventually, larvae are released from the female sponge and float around as plankton for a while, until they find a suitable place for attachment.Īsexual reproduction means that there is no fusion of male and female cells. At some point it finds its way inside sponges that play the female role, and fertilization of eggs occurs internally. Sperm is released into the water by the sponge that plays the male role and is dispersed by water currents. Most sponges that reproduce by sexual means are hermaphroditic and produce eggs and sperm at different times, alternating between sexual roles (each adult sponge can act as either the female or the male in reproduction). ![]() Sea sponges reproduce by both sexual and asexual means. This is because they often use chemicals (toxins) to deter predators like fish and turtle from eating them. On the other hand, those living in waters with an inadequate supply of food may become carnivorous, using sticky threads or hooked spicules to capture prey like crustaceans and other small animals.Īlso, they rarely become the food. The sponges that grow on the coral reefs, or near them, have access to plenty of particles rich in nutrients. They feed on whatever the ocean currents may carry inside them and they have the ability to digest tiny organisms and large particles. ![]() Sponges are not particularly picky with their food. The flagella create currents to filter bacteria out of the sponge’s cells and trap food within them. Inside the sponge, the channels are lined with tiny hair like structures called flagella. Therefore, they feed by filtering small organisms and organic debris particles that come in with the water.Īs water filters through a sponge’s porous exterior, the sponge receives the necessary food and oxygen, and dispels waste. The water that flows through their pores helps them support all these functions. Sea sponges don’t have a mouth and they lack distinct digestive, circulatory, excretory and respiratory systems. It is full of pores whose job is to filter lots and lots of water. Their body texture looks very much like the texture of your kitchen sponge. Their skeleton is formed from spicules made of silica (a glass-like material), calcium or calcium carbonate materials, and spongin, a protein that supports the spicules. Some types have been found to live over 200 years. They come in many different colors, sizes, and shapes and, since very few animals eat them, they can live for a very long time. Sponges are classified as invertebrates, which means they do not have backbones, and they make up an entire phylum of animals ( Phylum porifera). Some of these cells are in charge of digestion, some of reproduction and others for bringing in and filtering water so that the sponge can feed. They also do not have tissues or organs like other animals do, rather, they have specialized cells to perform necessary functions. They are relatively basic multi-celled animals without a brain or a central nervous system.
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