Phylum Porifera (sponges)
this phylum consists of simple multicellular animals that are mostly found in aquatic habitats. Their unique characteristic is that their cells are held together so loosely that they do not form tissues. Sponges' bodies consist of a non-living jelly-like mass sandwiched between two main layers of cells.
Characteristics:
No definite symmetry.
Body multicellular, few tissues, no organs.
Cells and tissues surround a water filled space but there is no true body cavity.
All live attached to something as an adult
Reproduce sexually or asexually, Has no nervous system.
Has a distinct larval stage which is planktonic.
Lives in aquatic environments, mostly marine.
All are filter feeders. Often have a skeleton of spicules.
Characteristics:
No definite symmetry.
Body multicellular, few tissues, no organs.
Cells and tissues surround a water filled space but there is no true body cavity.
All live attached to something as an adult
Reproduce sexually or asexually, Has no nervous system.
Has a distinct larval stage which is planktonic.
Lives in aquatic environments, mostly marine.
All are filter feeders. Often have a skeleton of spicules.
Porifera Circulatory System
Sponges have no real circulatory system.Sponges have flagellated cells over the surface of their bodies, these are cells that have tails that wiggles. The collective effort of all these cells creates a water current through the many porous openings in the sponges body. It's a water based circulatory system.
Strawberry Vase Sponge
This type of sponge is commonly found in the region between Caribbean islands and the coast of Florida state of USA. It grows about 40-60 cm in diameter. The Strawberry Vase Sponge is permanently attached to the coralhead on which it is growing. Like other sponges, the Strawberry Vase Sponge eats by trapping microscopic plankton from the ocean as it pumps seawater through its body. It has the same sort of "circulatory" system as mentioned above.
Stovepipe Sponge
The stovepipe sponges have a tubular body and they grow up to 150 cm in length. Their body structure is a bit similar to the tube sponges. All these tubes which constitute a stovepipe structure are connected at their base. These sponges release toxic chemicals to deter their predators. This has the same sort of "circulatory" water based system as mentioned aboce.
Giant Barrel Sponge
One of the largest species of sponge found in the Caribbean. It grows at depths of 10 metres (33 ft) or more and it grows between 60 cm and 1.8 m. It is brown-grey to reddish in color, with a hard or stony texture. There is little scientific information about the species. Again no real circulatory system as we have come to know it, it is water based.