Ms. Arness
Biology 11
Name: TEACHER NOTES
Date:
Block:
PHYLUM PORIFERA
 This phylum represents the first experiment in multi-cellularity for animals
 There are specialized cells, but they do not work cooperatively together – they’re not tissues
 Simplest and most primitive animals
 Have changed little since they evolved
 Have radial symmetry
 Are sessile
 Sponges have spicules between their cell
layers for structural
support
 Many sponges also contain a collagen
material called spongin
 This is what makes bath sponges from
certain species
 Nutrition: Filter feeding
 Reproduction:
 Asexual: budding via gemmules
 Sexual: internal fertilization
(larva, sperm and egg)
 Respiration, circulation and excretion: water
Water Flow Animation!
Go to website: http://www.biology.ualberta.ca/courses.hp/zool250/animations/Porifera.swf