In: Biology
Sponges live by creating a current of water that enters the body through the ostia and circulates through their canals and chambers. What vital activities essential for the survival of the sponge are carried out by the creation of this current? Why is this way of carrying out the life activities so suitable for an attached animal?
What vital activities essential for the survival of the sponge are carried out by the creation of this current?
Sponges are mutlicellular animals that belong to the class phylum porifera. Their body is full of pores and channels that allows circulation of water through them. The system of canals and chambers, called the water current system is the most important structure of sponges. The water current system helps in circulation of water which brings food and water to the sponges and remove CO2 and other waste from them. This sytem also helps in dispersal of gametes and larvae.
Why is this way of carrying out the life activities so suitable for an attached animal?
Sponges live permanently attached to a particular location in water, hence the use of water current system to carry out most important activities is more suitable. Sponges do not have nervous, digestive or circulatory system, they rely on maintaining a constant water flow for obtaining oxygen and food and removing the waste.