Question

Euplectella has six rayed silicious spicules, which suggests that it belongs to the class of

• A. Calcarea
• B. Hexactinellida
• C. Demospongiae
• D. Calearea and Desmospongiae

Answer 1

The correct option is B Hexactinellida

Euplectella is a genus of glass sponges. It is a hexactinellid sponge in the phylum Porifera found in the deep ocean. They are found near the Philippine Islands. Some species also found near Japan and in other parts of the western Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean.

The body of these animals is a thin-walled, cylindrical, vase-shaped tube with a large central atrium. The body is composed entirely of silica in the form of 6-pointed siliceous spicules, which is why they are commonly known as glass sponges. It is a sessile animal that protrudes from the rocky ocean bottoms also making it a benthic. They feed on microscopic organisms and organic debris.

Hence option B is correct.