Porifera Notes: Importance of Sponges

Multiple Choice

Sponges are found in the fossil record as far back as the early cambrian.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

Which of these is NOT a benefit of sponges in the ecosystem?

• They can provide shelter for some other animals.

• They are a keystone predator of fish.

• They are eaten by only a few animals.

• They filter ocean water.

Multiple Choice

Which of these is NOT a historical use of sponges?

• Stuffing pillows

• Drinking

• Padding armor

• Cleaning

Multiple Choice

Which of these would be best for use in bathing or applying makeup?

• Calcarea with calcium carbonate spicules

• Hexactinellida with silica spicules

• Demospongiae with spongin fibers

Multiple Choice

Some sponges have been used to produce medicines

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

Why are barrel sponges nicknamed "redwoods of the reef"?

• Because they are always bright red

• Because they produce wood that can be used in construction of homes.

• Because of their large size

Multiple Choice

Why is the newly discovered harp sponge unique?

• It is carnivorous (not a filter feeder).

• It is the largest sponge ever discovered.

• It is not in the animal kingdom.

Multiple Choice

There are no more species of sponges left to be discovered. We have already explored all of the parts of the marine biome.

• true

• false