Phylum Porifera: General Characteristics and Classification

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In this article we will discuss about Phylum Porifera: General Characteristics and Classification | Phylum Porifera: General Characteristics and Classification

Habit & Habitat

Aquatic (mostly marine and few fresh water)
Sedentary (not migratory)
Solitary or colonial

Porifera General characteristics

They are pore bearing animals
Surface of the animal bears minute pores called ostia
These pores lead into a central hollow cavity, these internal cavity is called spongocoel
It opens to outside through a large circular opening called osculum
Water is drawn into it through a series of pores into a central cavity and then flows out of the
Sponge through a large opening at the top called osculum

Porifera Body Wall
The thin body wall which encloses the spongocoel, consists of
I) Pinacoderm (Outer Layer) – Thin and flat cells of pinacoderm is called pinacocytes. It protects the internal structure of body
II) Mesenchyme (Middle Layer) – It consists of a gelatinous matrix of protein called mesogloea, Amoeba like cells and skeletal elements. Amebocytes pick up food from choanocytes and take food to other cells. Skeleton make up of network of protein fibres and spicules. Network of protein fibres called spongin. Spicules made up of Caco3 (Calcareous spicules) or Silica (Siliceous spicules)
III) Choanoderm (Inner Layer) – Spongocoel are lined with choanocytes. Flagella that spins to pull in water and food. Collar of choanocytes traps plankton form water.

Water Circulatory System

The water circulatory system of sponges also called as canal system
It is unique feature of sponges
Water enters through ostia in the body wall into spongocoel and goes out though osculum
This pathway of water transport is helpful in food gathering, respiration exchange and removal of wastes

Reproduction

Reproduction takes place by asexual or sexual methods
a) Asexual Reproduction – Exogenous or endogenous budding. Endogenous buds of asexual reproduction in sponge are known as Gemmules
b) Sexual Reproduction – Sponges are hermaphrodite, Fertilization internal and cross due to protogynous condition. Development is indirect (Larval stage is present).

Classification of Sponges

Class 1. Calcarea

They have a skeleton of separate calcareous spicules
Body shape vase-like or cylindrical
Occur in shallow waters in sea
E.g. Sycon & Grantia

Class 2. Hexactinellida

They have a skeleton of siliceous spicules
They have cylindrical or funnel-shaped body
Found in deep tropical seas
E.g. Euplectella & Farnera

Class 3. Demospongiae

They have a skeleton of spongin fibres
Body shape is irregular
Generally marine, few freshwater forms
E.g. Oscarella & Spongilla

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