Name:
Date:
Biology 11: Phylum Porifera Lab
Purpose:
-To observe and compare the macroscopic structure
of various sponges
-To observe the microscopic structure of a Grantia
sponge.
-To learn about sponges found in the ocean off
British Columbia
Procedure:
1. Examine the different types of sponge specimens
that are provided for you. They are no longer living, but their similarities and
differences are obvious.
2. Sponges are classified on the basis of their skeleton. Observe the spicules of
each sponge type and research what these skeletons are made of.
3. Examine a cross-section of a Grantia sponge under the light microscope.
Sponge Samples
a) Calcareous Sponges
1. What type of skeleton (spicules) does this sponge have? (1 Mark)
________________________________________________________
2. Observe the sponge sample under a dissection microscope and
comment on the texture you observe (1 Mark)
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
3. Prepare a wet mount slide of a small piece of the sponge sample and observe the spicules
under the light microscope. Draw what you observe below. (Drawing 1 Mark; Magnification 1
Mark)
Biology 11: Sponge lab
Page 1
Notes:
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b) Demosponges
1. What type of skeleton (spicules) does this sponge have? (1
Mark)
__________________________________________________
2. Observe the sponge sample under a dissection microscope
and comment on the texture you observe (1 Mark)
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
3. Prepare a wet mount slide of a small piece of the sponge sample and observe the spicules
under the light microscope. Draw what you observe below. (Drawing 1 Mark; Magnification 1
Mark)
Notes:
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
Biology 11: Sponge lab
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c) Hexactinellida
1. What type of skeleton (spicules) does this sponge
have? (1 Mark)
____________________________________________
2. Observe the sponge sample under a dissection
microscope and comment on the texture you observe (1
Mark)
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
3. Prepare a wet mount slide of a small piece of the sponge sample and observe the spicules
under the light microscope. Draw what you observe below. (Drawing 1 Mark; Magnification 1
Mark)
Notes:
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
Biology 11: Sponge lab
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d) Grantia (Calcareous Sponge)
1. Examine the Grantia Sponge slide
under the light microscope and try to
identify the different parts of the
sponge you observe using the images
provided.
2. Comment on the level of organization of the sponge and how its different cells are
situated in its body. How does this placement help the sponges to live? (3 Marks)
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Biology 11: Sponge lab
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British Columbia Sponge Species
a) Glass Sponge Reef Poster
1. Where have the only glass sponge reefs in the world been found (be specific!). (1
Mark)
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2. How are these reefs threatened? (1 Mark)
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3. Should we preserve these reefs? If yes, explain why. (2 Marks)
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4. How are the three types of glass sponges found on the poster different from one
another? (1 Mark)
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Biology 11: Sponge lab
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b) Marine Identification Book
1. In our upcoming visit to the aquarium you will see some sponge species. Use the
reference books provided to write down the defining characteristics of two sponge
species, just in case you need to identify them later. (2 Marks)
Species 1: _______________________________________________________________
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Species 2: _______________________________________________________________
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Biology 11: Sponge lab
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