![]() ![]() Some sponges produce survival pods, which stay dormant until appropriate growth conditions occur. These amazing animals reproduce by both sexual and asexual means, and while a few species reproduce by budding, the majority of sponges form larvae which swim away from their parents to find a place to settle. You’ll find sponges in tidal zones, and if you could dive to a depth of more than 8,800 meters, you would find sponges there, as well. Some host tiny plants that use photosynthetic processes to feed them, and all have optimized the shapes of their bodies to maximize efficiency in a specific environment. While some sponges are carnivorous, preying on tiny crustaceans, most feed on bacteria. From the water, they obtain oxygen, as well as nutrients. In order to live, sponges rely on maintaining constant water flow through their bodies. They have no digestive or circulatory systems, and they are non-sentient, having no nervous systems. All sponges have bodies made up of a jelly-like mesohyl, or endoskeleton, which is sandwiched between two outer layers of cells. Part of the phylum Porifera, sponges come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with the largest being bigger than the average diver. ![]() It’s impossible to describe these animals without providing at least a little scientific information. ![]() They add color and excitement to the underwater world, and they help keep water clean. With several features in common with one another, there are approximately 10,000 known sponge species, each of which is specialized for life in a specific environment. While they are commonly mistaken to be a form of plant life, these creatures are actually part of the animal kingdom. ![]() \): (a) Clathrina clathrus belongs to class Calcarea, (b) Staurocalyptus spp.Found in saltwater and freshwater environments worldwide, sponges are an essential part of the environment. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply.AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |