This was our first dissection, so we started with a very simple organism. We used microscopes to view the texture of the sponge and its pores. We only cut the sponge once to observe the skin on the inside of the organism. The sponge was very small.
Sponges are multicellular, but the cellular level of organization means that the cells do not form organized tissues. Sponges do have specialized cells and there is cooperation and coordination among the cells, but it is limited. Sponges are asymmetrical. They can reproduce asexually and sexually– by releasing sperm into the water for other sponges to collect. A sponge's respiratory and excretory system both work through diffusing out of the pores.
Ecology
Sponges are filter feeders, and collect small particles floating through the water. The forms of sponges are mainly influenced by their habitats. Some sponged develop near rocks, others in coral. The boring sponge attacks coral and causes a lot of erosion in them. Sponges are very abundant in more tropical water. Some sponges evolve defenses, like shedding, toxins, or causing rashes. Sponges are the prey of echinoderms, or sponge flies.
Sponges are multicellular, but the cellular level of organization means that the cells do not form organized tissues. Sponges do have specialized cells and there is cooperation and coordination among the cells, but it is limited. Sponges are asymmetrical. They can reproduce asexually and sexually– by releasing sperm into the water for other sponges to collect. A sponge's respiratory and excretory system both work through diffusing out of the pores.
Ecology
Sponges are filter feeders, and collect small particles floating through the water. The forms of sponges are mainly influenced by their habitats. Some sponged develop near rocks, others in coral. The boring sponge attacks coral and causes a lot of erosion in them. Sponges are very abundant in more tropical water. Some sponges evolve defenses, like shedding, toxins, or causing rashes. Sponges are the prey of echinoderms, or sponge flies.