Why The Name ‘Porifera’?

Porifera animals have pores which are known as Ostia. They are also called sponges since they are ‘spongy’ in appearance. Since they were green in color, and displayed a symbiotic association with algae, they were classified as plants. However, upon later evaluation, it was seen that they were heterotrophic and multicellular and had a cell membrane present. These characteristics were common with other members of the Animal kingdom. Hence they were classified as invertebrates, under Phylum Porifera in the animal kingdom.

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.

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