Porifera

1. General Characteristics

1.1. Asymmetry

1.2. Filter feeder

1.3. Multicellular

1.4. Aquatic

1.5. Diploblastic

1.6. Sessile

1.7. Classified by structure

2. Classification

2.1. Calcarea

2.1.1. Asconoid

2.1.2. Simple, smaller

2.1.3. 3-4 rayed spicules made of calcium carbonate

2.2. Hexactinellida

2.2.1. Syconoid

2.2.2. Complex, tubular

2.2.3. Skeleton of silica

2.2.4. 6-rayed spicules made of silica

2.3. Demospongiae

2.3.1. Leuconoid

2.3.2. Most complex, no spongocoel

2.3.3. Less rigid, lack spicules

2.3.4. Made of spongin

3. Structure

4. Reproduction

5. Cell Types

5.1. Choanocytes- collared cells, move water, collect food

5.2. Amoebocytes—specialized for reproduction and transporting and storing food

5.3. Archaeocytes- can become other cells, ingest and transport food

5.4. Pinacocytes--outer covering, protection (skin cells)

5.5. Collenocytes--secrete spongin (component of skeleton)

5.6. Sclerocytes--secrete spicules (component of skeleton)

5.7. Porocytes--Opening into the sponge for water movement (AKA ostia)

6. Ecology