Question

Mention any six characteristics of phylum porifera.

Answer 1

Phylum Porifera:

1. It belongs to the Kingdom Animalia.
2. They are usually found in the sea, however, a few species may also be found in freshwater.
3. They are usually referred to as sponges.
4. Example: - Leucosolenia (simple sponge), Euplectella (venus flower basket), Spongilla (freshwater sponge), Euspongia (bath sponge), etc

Characteristics of phylum Porifera:

1. They have a canal system for water transportation. This system is consist of pores, canals and chambers which helps to circulate the water with the help of flagellated collar cells called choanocytes.
2. They are asymmetrical creatures.
3. These creatures have a hard outer covering, or skeleton, that protects them from predators.
4. The body's differentiation and division into tissues are low.
5. Because they are non-moving animals, they are tethered to a strong structure.
6. The process of breathing and excretion is carried out through diffusion across the body's surface.