Phylum Porifera: The Sponges Vocabulary

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering the characteristics, cell types, anatomy, reproduction, and ecology of Phylum Porifera based on the lecture notes.

Phylum Porifera

The biological phylum consisting of sponges, which are considered the simplest animals.

Asymmetrical

A characteristic of sponges meaning they possess no symmetry.

Sessile

A term describing organisms that cannot move from place to place.

Epidermal cells (Pinacocyte)

The skin cells of a sponge.

Porocytes

Cells that surround pores and function to bring in food and oxygen.

Collar cells (Choanocyte)

Cells that use flagella to pull food in through the pores of the sponge.

Amoebocytes

A type of specialized cell found in sponges; in gemmules, they form a food-filled ball surrounded by a protective coat.

Osculum

The opening at the top of the sponge through which water and waste are expelled.

Spongin

A soft network of protein fibers that provides a supporting structure for some sponges.

Spicules

Tiny, hard, thorn-like projections that provide structural support and protection for sponges.

Filter Feeding

A method of consumption where an organism takes in food as it flows past them.

Hermaphrodites

Organisms that produce both sperm and eggs.

Internal Fertilization

The process of sexual reproduction in sponges where sperm is released into the water to cross-fertilize eggs.

Planula

The flagellated, free-swimming larval stage of a sponge.

Budding

A form of asexual reproduction where small external growths pinch off and become new sponges.

Fragmentation

A form of asexual reproduction where a fragment of a sponge breaks off and regenerates into a new sponge.

Regeneration

The ability to regrow lost body parts through mitotic cell division.

Gemmules

Specialized internal buds formed during cold or dry weather that consist of a food-filled ball of amoebocytes and a protective coat of spicules to survive harsh conditions.

Spongocoel

The central cavity of a sponge as shown in cross-section anatomy.

Mesohyl

A gelatinous region between the two layers of cells of a sponge.

Ostium

A pore in the sponge's wall through which water enters.