Question

Sponge reproduction occurs through

• A. Ciliated larva
• B. Gemmules
• C. Reduction bodies
• D. All of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is D All of the above

A. Sponges have a free swimming larval stage called parenchymula and amphiblastula.

B. Gemmules are the asexual reproductive bodies which are formed by endogenous budding in all freshwater and some marine sponges.

C. Under adverse conditions, sponges disintegrate leaving behind small ball like rounded structures 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.

Hence, sponge dispersal can occur by ciliated larva, gemmules and reduction bodies. Hence, all the options are correct.

So, the correct answer is 'All the above'.