Sponges and Cnidarians

Uncovering the Truth

Sponges
They live in aquatic areas and environment. There are over 5,000 species. They obtain food particles such as bacteria, algae, protists, and other materials from the water as it is pulled in through their pores. Oxygen is also removed from the water. The filtered water carries away wastes through and opening in the top of the sponge. Sponges do not have tissues, organs, or organ systems.The body of a sponge contains sharp, pointed structure called spicules.

Reproduction of Sponges
Sponges reproduce sexually and asexually. Since the sponge's sperm cannot be fertilized, the egg is released and could become fertilize and then develop a larva. The sponge's larva was cilia which help them swim. After a short time the larva will rest on the object where they will stay and grow into an adult sponge. When they reproduce asexually, they use budding or regeneration. Then a bud will form on the sponges and then it will drop from the parent sponge to grow on its ownSponges are animals, not plants.

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As you can see, this is a real sea sponge that has been picked from the sea while the picture next to it is a fictitious character, cleverly thought up by cartoonists. If you look at him he is a house hold sponge that we use to clean ourselves with . Then underneath is another sea sponge. Beside that is a spawning sea sponge.

Cnidarians
What animals do you know of are vicious predators of the sea? How about ones that reproduce sexually and asexually? Heres a hint: They contain the species of jelly-fish. Cnidarians fit all those characteristics!The word cnidarian originates from the word, Cnidos, which mean stinging nettle. Cnidarian have a system of nerves called a nerve net that triggers them to shock another unfamiliar, peculiar being that is not known by the cnidarian.This is a network of impulses with toxins that connect to all parts of the organism to shock a predator.

Reproduction of Cnidarians
Cnidarians not only produce asexually, but also sexually.This is done with a creature called a medusa (not the god) which is a type of cnidarian that is umbrella-shapedAsexual reproduction happens when the medusa travels through the water and creates a polyp that then falls off the medusa and grows under the water. The way the sexual reproduction process works is when a male medusa releases sperm into the water and another medusa releases eggs, they meet and fertilize to develop into a larvae

Habitat of Cnidarians
Cnidarians typically live in salt water, but also they live in fresh water. There is a certain type of species called a hydra that lives in freshwater. Cnidarians avoid shallow area because they need endosymbiotic algae as a source of nutrients. They feed on plankton and other animals much larger than them.Cnidarians have a stinging cell which is a thread-like structure that helps them catch prey.Medusae swim with the ocean currents that define them as free-swimmers.Coral is a type of cnidarian, it takes them millions of years to create a habitat of their own to thrive and survive in.

Species of Cnidarians
They are many types of cnidarians that are separated into groups depending on their characteristics. Scyphozoa, Hydrozoa, Cubozoa, and Anthozoa.The animals that fit into the Scyphozoa group are corals, jellyfish, and feathery hydroids.Ones that fit into the hydrozoa group are freshwater cnidarians, the lustrous Portuguese Man o War (jelly-like marine invertebrate), and has both sessile members such as Hydra. The Cubozoa group contains box-jellies.The Anthozoa group contains sea anemones, some corals (they fit into both groups), and sea pens. Referring back to history, scientists believe that the first body of a cnidarian was an animal called a medusa.

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Sponges vs. Cnidarians Which is Better?
SpongesThe body of a sponge contains sharp pointed structure called spicules.Sponges do not have tissues, organs, or organ systems.They obtain food particles such as bacteria, algae, protists, and other materials from the water as it is pulled in through their pores.Sponge's sperm cannot be fertilized.
Cnidarians
System of nerves called a nerve netInvertebratesMedusa is umbrella-shapedNeeds endosymbiotic algae as a source of nutrients. They also feed on plankton and other animals much larger than them.Sperm enters into the water and another medusa releases eggs. When they meet, they fertilize the egg and that then creates a larvae over time.

Sponges vs. Cnidarians (Both)
Filtered water carries away wastes through their openingsReproduce sexually and asexuallyUse budding or regenerationOffspring that is left alone will grow into an adultAnimalsBud will form, then it will drop from the parent to grow on its own

The End! Created By: Michael,Miguel, Larry, and Krista!