Sponges belong to which one among the following phylum?

The correct answer is Porifera.

Key Points

• Sponges belong to the phylum Porifera, which is characterized by organisms having porous bodies.
• Porifera are multicellular organisms that lack true tissues and organs, making them one of the simplest animals.
• Sponges are sessile (fixed in place) and primarily marine organisms, although a few freshwater species exist.
• They use specialized cells called choanocytes to filter water and extract nutrients from it.
• Sponges reproduce both sexually and asexually, and their skeletal structure is made of either spongin fibers or spicules composed of calcium carbonate or silica.

Additional Information

• Porifera comes from the Latin word "porus" (meaning pore) and "ferre" (meaning to bear), referring to the porous structure of these animals.
• Sponges exhibit a type of body organization known as the cellular level of organization, where different cell types perform specific functions but do not form tissues.
• Water enters a sponge's body through tiny pores called ostia and exits through a larger opening called the osculum.
• Sponges are vital components of marine ecosystems, serving as filter feeders that help clean water and provide habitats for other organisms.
• Other phyla mentioned in the options include:
  • Platyhelminthes: Flatworms, characterized by a flat body and bilateral symmetry.
  • Cnidaria: Jellyfish, corals, and sea anemones, known for their stinging cells (cnidocytes).
  • Annelida: Segmented worms like earthworms and leeches.