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Reading: Sponges

  • Page ID
    7695
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    There are two phyla of sponges: Calcarea and Silicea.

    Preserved Specimens

    Examine preserved sponges on display. Identify the osculum. Can you see pores? Some of these specimens are shown below.

    Figure 1. Chalina

    Figure 1. Chalina

    Figure 2. Spongila

    Figure 2. Spongila

    Figure 3. Commercial Sponge

    Figure 3. Commercial Sponge

    Structure of Sponges

    The photographs below are of Grantia. The body of this species is highly folded producing many chambers. In the last two photographs, the living cells have been removed to reveal the spicules.

    Examine the following prepared slides: Grantia c.s.and Grantia l.s. Find collar cells, epidermal cells, and pores. What is the function of the collar cells? What is the function of the pores?

    Figure 4. Grantia c.s. X 400

    Figure 4. Grantia c.s. X 400

    Figure 5. Grantia l.s. X 40

    Figure 5. Grantia l.s. X 40

    Examine a slide of Grantia spicules. What is the function of the spicules?

    Figure 6. Grantia spicules X 40

    Figure 6. Grantia spicules X 40

    Figure 7. Grantia spicules X 100

    Figure 7. Grantia spicules X 100

    Spicules are needle-like structures composed of either calcium carbonate or silica and offer support and protection.


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    This page titled Reading: Sponges is shared under a CC BY license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Lynette Hauser.

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