Question

Perennating structures found in sponges are

• A. Buds
• B. Parenchymula
• C. Reduction bodies
• D. Oscula

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Reduction bodies

A. Buds are the protuberances formed on parent sponge that detach and develop into a complete organism.

B. Parenchymula is the larval stage of sponges. It is free swimming and ciliated.

C. Under adverse conditions, sponges disintegrate leaving behind a small ball-like rounded structure called reduction bodies. These reduction bodies contain amoebocytes which are further covered by pinacoderm and spicules. When the conditions become favourable, each reduction body develops into a new sponge.

D. Oscula (singular osculum) are the exhalant pores in sponges through which water flows out of the body.

Hence, the perennating structures in sponges i.e. structures by which sponges are able to survive under adverse conditions, are reduction bodies.

So, the correct answer is 'Reduction bodies'.