Characteristics of Phylum Porifera
Below are some of the characteristics of Phylum Porifera:
- They are present in both marine and freshwater sources.
- Their bodies are uneven and loosely arranged.
- These are mostly assymetrical
- They are cylindrical and have a cellular level of organization.
- Spicules, which are frequently seen in sponges, are small structural components that are formed of calcium carbonate, silica, or spongin (a protein).
- The sponge is supported and shielded by spicules.
- Porifera reproduces asexually via Fragmentation or budding. Sexual reproduction also occurs sperm and egg formation.
- The cavity present inside the body is known as spongocoel which is open to the surrounding via osculum. A water current flows through it and helps in nutrition, reproduction and respiration.
- They take food via a Holozoic mode of nutrition.
- Animals of the Porifera kingdom exhibit a high rate of regeneration.
- Reproduction involves internal fertilisation. Most of the sponges are hermaphrodites.
- Respiration and excretion occurs via diffusion. These organisms are ammonotelic.
Phylum Porifera
Phylum Porifera, also known as sponges, is a group of simple aquatic animals that lack true tissues and organs. Animals belonging to the Porifera phylum are the smallest multicellular creatures in the animal kingdom. ‘Porifera’ word is taken from Latin which means ‘pore-bearing species’. Around 5000 species are included in the phylum Porifera.
Table of Content
- Phylum Porifera
- Why The Name ‘Porifera’?
- Characteristics of Phylum Porifera
- Classification of Phylum Porifera
- Examples of Phylum Porifera