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Porifera - Overview - Zoology Optional Notes For UPSC PDF Download
Porifera - Overview - Zoology Optional Notes For UPSC PDF Download
Sponges are uncomplicated aquatic invertebrate animals that are categorized within the Phylum
Porifera, the lowest multicellular members of the Animal Kingdom, comprising approximately
5000 species. These creatures, known as Poriferans, possess small openings called 'Ostia'
distributed throughout their bodies. Their sponge-like structures are capable of absorbing and
retaining fluids.
Sponges typically remain affixed to the substrate and do not exhibit mobility. Due to this
immobility, they were initially mistaken for plants. However, subsequent discoveries regarding
their life cycle and feeding mechanisms unequivocally confirmed their classification within the
animal kingdom. Continue reading to uncover more fascinating details about the general
characteristics of poriferans.
Sponge
ii. Syconoid Canal System – It is a complex type with thick walls. Spongocoel is narrow and
choanocytes are restricted in radial canals only.
Route of water: This type is seen in Grantia.
iii. Leuconoid Canal System – It is a much more complex type with highly folded thick walls.
Spongocoel is either reduced or absent. Choanocytes are confined in the flagellated chambers
which are formed by the evagination of radial canals.
Route of water: This type is seen in Plakina.
Digestion is intracellular, respiration and excretion occur through the body wall by diffusion.
Reproduction – In sponges, reproduction occurs by both asexual and sexual means.
Reproduction in Sponges
2. Hyalospongiae or Hexactinellida
These are found in marine and also in deep-sea habitats.
The skeleton is made up of siliceous spicules.
The body is cylindrical in structure and exhibits radial symmetry.
Small choanocytes are present.
Moderately sized species are present in this class.
Example: Hyalonema and Euplectella.
3. Demospongiae
Contains the largest number of sponge species.
These are found in marine or in freshwater habitats.
The skeleton is made up of spongin fibres or may be absent.
The body is cylindrical in structure and exhibits asymmetrical body symmetry.
Very small choanocytes are present.
Large-sized species are present in this class.
Example: Spongilla and Spongia.
Phylum Porifera Examples
Some of the major examples of the phylum Porifera are given below:
Sycon
The classification of Sycon–
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Porifera
Class: Calcarea
Order: Heterocoela
Family: Sycettidae
Genus: Sycon
Spongilla
Classification of Spongilla–
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Porifera
Class: Demospongiae
Order: Spongillidae
Family: Spongillidae
Genus: Spongilla
Within the Kingdom Animalia, the Phylum Porifera stands as one of the phyla. This particular
phylum is distinguished by its members, which are characterized as pore-bearing organisms and
commonly referred to as sponges. Sponges are hermaphroditic in nature and are aquatic animals
with an asymmetrical body structure, exhibiting a wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes.