L12 Sponges in the fossil record

Sessile

fixed in one place, immobile

Benthic

live at bottom of aquatic environment

Choanoflagellates feeding structure and function

sessile filter feeders almost identical to sponge

Sponge feeding structure and function

Sessile filter feeds almost identical to choanoflagellates

Real world example of sponges being first animals

They don’t move but filter water for food like barnacles