ZO.3.1 - Porifera (check for understanding)

Front

What are the main characteristics of Porifera?

Back

Porifera, or sponges, are aquatic, non-eumetazoan, and pore-bearing organisms. They are not triploblastic.

Front

What is the role of flagella in Porifera?

Back

Flagella facilitate water flow through the sponge, allowing for feeding and respiration.

Front

What is a choanocyte?

Back

A choanocyte is the feeding cell of a Porifera, equipped with a flagellum to create water currents.

Front

What are the three body types of Porifera?

Back

The three body types are Asconoid, Syconoid, and Leuconoid, with Leuconoid being the most complex.

Front

What is the function of ostia in Porifera?

Back

Ostia are small openings in the sponge that allow water to enter.

Front

What is an osculum?

Back

An osculum is a large opening at the top of a sponge through which water exits.

Front

What is the mesohyl in Porifera?

Back

Mesohyl is the gelatinous matrix within the sponge that contains cells and structural elements.

Front

What are spicules?

Back

Spicules are nonliving structures in Porifera that provide support and protection.

Front

How do Porifera feed?

Back

Porifera feed by filtering small particles from the water, using choanocytes to trap food.

Front

What is the significance of being non-eumetazoan?

Back

Being non-eumetazoan means that Porifera lack true tissues and organs, distinguishing them from more complex animals.