How does water move inside sponges? What is the function of the pores in these animals?

Aquaculture Science
3rd Edition
ISBN:9781133558347
Author:Parker
Publisher:Parker
Chapter2: Aquatic Plants And Animals
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 5E
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How does water move inside sponges? What is the function of the pores in these animals?

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Step 1

Sponges are simple multicellular organisms that belong to the kingdom Animalia. They represent the cellular level of the organization and are present in aquatic habitats. They are sessile that means they do not exhibit any locomotory activity. The organisms belonging to this phylum have an incomplete digestive system.

Step 2

As these organisms have an incomplete digestive system, they derive their nutrition through a filter-feeding mechanism. Their walls are filled with pores known as Ostia which allows the water to entre along with the nutrients into the interiors of the sponges. Osculum is the exterior opening through which water excreted out from the cavity known as spongocoel.  The water flows from Ostia into the spongocoel and then exits through the osculum.

At the cavity is lined by collar cells which help in regulating the water current. They do so with the help of flagella present on their surface, these flagella move back and forth in synchrony and allow the water along with the nutrients to move into the cavity through Ostia.

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