` Sponges, that constitute the Phylum Porifera

(po-ri-fera) (L. porus, pore, + fera, bearing), are

considered to be the lowest forms of multicellular
animals because neither true tissues nor organs are
present. Their bodies, made-up of loose aggregation
of independent cells, are perforated by pores and with

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canal systems lined with flagellated cells for filter
feeding. Sponges are exclusively aquatic organisms.
All adults are stationary (sessile) and attached to
shells, corals, rocks or any other submerged suitable
substratum, and hence, they depend on the current of
water for their metabolism. They are generally
asymmetrical creatures with some exceptions. They
can reproduce asexually by budding, fragmentation
and regeneration, and gemmule formation and
sexually by fertilization forming free-swimming ciliated
larvae.
PHYLUM The taxonomy of the sponges is mostly based
PORIFERA on the details of their endoskeleton (internal
skeleton). It is considered to be one of the most
useful diagnostic tools for identifying and classifying
sponges. The skeleton consists of calcareous or
siliceous crystalline spicules, spongin fibers made-up
of protein, or a combination of both. The ratio of the
skeletal elements and the shapes, sizes, and
composition of the spicules contribute greatly to the
variety of forms and texture of the sponges.

Objectives At the end of the activity, the student

should be able to:

1. identify the parts and organization of sponges.

2. differentiate representative species of sponges
from each other.
Classification

Phylum Porifera

Class Calcispongiae (Calcarea): The members of this class have spicules made-
up of calcium carbonate. They are needle-shaped, three or four rayed. These
sponges also exhibit all three types of canal systems (asconoid, syconoid,
leuconoid). All are marine dwellers.
Ex . Grantia (Scypha, Sycon), Leucosolenia

Class Hyalospongiae (Hexactinellida): Members of the class are so-called glass

sponges with siliceous, six-rayed spicules. They have flagellated radial canals
or chambers in simple syconoid or leuconoid arrangement. All are marine
species and most are deep-sea dwellers.
Ex. Euplectella (Venus flower basket)

Class Demospongiae: The skeleton of these sponges is made-up of either

siliceous spicules that are not six-rayed or spongin fibers or a combination of
both. They exhibit the leuconoid type of canal system. Only one family is found
in freshwater and all the others are marine.
Ex. Spongia (bath sponge), Carteriospongia (Elephant’s ear
sponge)

Class Sclerospongiae: This class consists of a very small number of marine

species inhabiting caves, tunnels, crevices, and deep water on coral reefs.
Members differ in having an internal skeleton of siliceous spicules and
spongin fibers and an outer encasement of calcium carbonate. All exhibit the
leuconoid type of canal system.
Ex. Astrosclera, Merlia

Materials
hand lens
compound light microscope
prepared slides of : Leucosolenia (w.m.), Grantia (x.s), spicules
preserved specimens of : Euplectella, Spongia, Carteriospongia

Procedure

Obtain the prepared slides and preserved specimens of sponges and study their
morphology. Label the photographs in the Activity Sheet.
Morphology of Some Representative Species

1. Leucosolenia. This is a simple sponge growing abundantly on the rocks near

the seashores just below low-tide mark. Its slender, tubular individuals grow in
groups attached by a common stolon, or stem, to objects in shallow seawater.
Each tube opens at the summit by means of the osculum. The cavity of the tube
is known as spongocoel. Many pores called ostia pierce the wall of the tube.
Embedded in the soft tissue of the body wall are large numbers of three-pronged
(triradiate) spicules. It has an asconoid type of canal system. Examine a
prepared slide of Leucosolenia colonies whole mount (w.m.) using the scanner
objective and identify the parts previously described. Examine also a prepared
slide of Leucosolenia (calcareous) spicules.

2. Grantia. This is a common solitary, calcareous sponge, gray or light brown in

color inhabiting the salt water along the coasts near the low-tide mark. It is found
permanently attached by one end to rocks and other solid objects. Secure
prepared slides of Grantia longitudinal section (l.s.), cross section (x.s.), and
spicules, and examine them under the microscope. Grantia (l.s.) resembles in
shape a slender vase that bulges slightly near the center. The distal end opens to
the exterior by a large excurrent pore, the osculum surrounded by monoaxon
spicules. Smaller spicules protrude from other parts of the body. The surface of
the cylinders contain tiny openings called ostia. Inside each cylinder is a large
central cavity, the spongocoel. The wall of the cylinder has incurrent and radial
canals that lie alternately and readily around the spongocoel (Grantia l.s. and
x.s.). This is a syconoid type of canal system.

3. Euplectella (Venus Flower Basket). This is especially abundant at the bottom of

deep sea waters. It has a long, curved, cylindrical body containing a large
spongocoel. The tubular body is made-up of continuous connecting ledges of
spicules that form a lattice network. The terminal opening or osculum is large and
covered by sieve plate. The base consists of root spicules for attachment to the
muddy substratum. Examine a preserved specimen and identify the parts
previously described.

4. Spongia. This is popularly known as the common commercial bath sponge. It is

globose or hemispherical in shape. It is colonial and brown in color. Several
oscula are seen on the surface, which is beset by numerous smaller openings
called ostia. Bath sponge has no spicules. The skeleton consists of a complex
network of spongin fibers arranged in anastomosing pattern. The animal is found
attached to rocks in tropical and subtropical seas. Examine a preserved specimen
with a hand lens and identify the parts previously described. Feel the texture of
the specimen.
5. Carteriospongia. (Elephant’s Ear Sponge). This sponge has a broad leathery
plate body. Several oscula are seen on the surface. The animal is attached to
the substratum by means of a root-like stalk. It is commonly found in shallow
marine water. Examine a dried specimen with a hand lens and identify the parts
previously described.

References

Barnes, R.D. 1980. Invertebrate Zoology 4th edition. Saunders College/Holt,

Rinehart and Winston, pp. 89-109.

Barnes, R.S. K., P. Calow and P.J. W. Olive. 1993. The Invertebrates – A New
Synthesis. 2nd edition. Blackwell Science Ltd. pp.49-52

Engemann, J.G. and R.W. Hegner. 1981. Invertebrate Zoology. 3rd edition.
MacMillan Publishing Co., Inc. pp. 157-189.

Hickman, C.P., F.M. Hickman and L. Kats. 1997. Laboratory Studies in Integrated
Principles of Zoology. 9th edition. The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. pp. 242-
250.
II. Guide Questions

1. Differentiate the three types of canal systems. Which canal system is the most
efficient and why?
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2. How does Leucosolenia differ structurally from Grantia?

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3. Why is this phylum considered just above the protozoan level of organization?
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4. What are the roles of the endoskeleton?

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