What phylum class is a sponge?
phylum Porifera
The approximately 8,550 living sponge species are scientifically classified in the phylum Porifera, which is comprised of four distinct classes: the Demospongiae (the most diverse, containing 90 percent of all living sponges), Hexactinellida (the rare glass sponges), Calcarea (calcareous sponges), and Homoscleromorpha …
What phylum do sponges belong to and what does it mean?
Today, we know that sponges are simple, multicellular animals in the Kingdom Animalia, Phylum Porifera. … Sponges, like all animals, are eukaryotic – meaning their cells have a nucleus. Porifera in Latin means “pore-bearer” and refers to the many pores or openings in these animals.
How are sponges divided into classes?
There are three classes within the phylum porifera: Calcerea, Desmospongia, and Hexactinellida. Sponges are divided into these classes based primarily on the composition of their spicules and skeletal fibers. Spicules are rod-shaped cellular projections that make up the skeleton of sponges.
Why Porifera phylum is kept under the separate phylum?
The word “Porifera” mainly refers to the pore bearers or pore bearing species. Based on the embryological studies, sponges are proved as animals and are classified into a separate Phylum in animals. This phylum includes about 5000 species. Poriferans are pore-bearing first multicellular animals.
What animals belong to phylum Porifera?
The approximately 5,000 living sponge species are classified in the phylum Porifera, which is composed of three distinct groups, the Hexactinellida (glass sponges), the Demospongia, and the Calcarea (calcareous sponges). Sponges are characterized by the possession of a feeding system unique among animals.
What are the 3 classes of sponges?
There are three recognized classes of extant sponge: Demospongiae, Hexactinellida, and Calcarea (Table 1). Some have suggested, with compelling evidence, that a fourth group (the Homoscleromorpha) be distinguished as a separate class. The asconoid and syconoid body plans are only found in the Calcarea.
What are the classes of sponges?
Calcarea, Hexactinellida, Demospongiae, and Homoscleromorpha make up the four classes of sponges; each type is classified based on the presence or composition of its spicules or spongin. Most sponges reproduce sexually; however, some can reproduce through budding and the regeneration of fragments.
What was the first sponge?
The ancient sponge appeared about 2.5 billion years ago—the first animal. Coming in many sizes and shapes, sponge bodies are a loose assemblage of cells held together by a special protein called collagen which is present in all animals. In addition, sponges have microscopic crystalline spicules that act as a skeleton.
What is the basis of classification of phylum Porifera?
Complete answer: Porifera is the phylum composed of the sponges. They lack true tissues, have no body symmetry, and are sessile. The classification of phylum Porifera is based upon the presence and composition of spicules.
What are the four classes of Porifera?
Calcarea, Hexactinellida, Demospongiae, and Homoscleromorpha make up the four classes of sponges; each type is classified based on the presence or composition of its spicules or spongin.
What are the four classes of sponges?
The classification of sponges is based on spicule form and chemical composition. Living sponges have traditionally been divided into three or perhaps four classes: Homoscleromorpha, Calcispongiae, Hexactinellida, and Demospongiae.