VolvoxVolvoxColonies and Similarity to

the Development Of A Sponge

A volvox is a chlorophyte, a green algae. The little algae always live in a colony with each other. They are connected by strands of cytoplasm, this allows them to work as a whole

What is a volvox?

The cells in volvox have two flagella that they use to swim through water. The cells on the circular border of the volvox use their flagella to move the entire volvox.

Reproduction and DevelopmentReproduction and Development

Sexual and AsexualThe spheres on the inside of the volvox

are called gonads, or daughter colonies.The gonads grow from cells in the equator

of the volvox.These cells enlarge and divide until they

become visible spheres.The flagella are on the inside of the

spheres so they need to turn themselves inside out.

Similarity to SpongesSimilarity to Sponges

Both Volvoxes and Sponges reproduce sexually and assexualy.

Both individuals can produce both egg and sperm.

The sperm and the egg fuse in the colony of each organism and they form a zygote.

This zygote is released out of the sponge or volvox.