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| Phylum Porifera (Sponges) |
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| Sponge |
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 The simplest multicellular animals. The cells are loosely held together and do not form tissues. |
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 Aquatic in habitat (mostly marine). |
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 Ostia (pores) are present all over the body, with a single large opening on top called osculum. |
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 Food and oxygen enter the organism along with water into a canal system. |
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 Support system made up of tiny needle-like formations. They may be made of silica, calcium or spongin fibres. |
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 Reproduction may be sexual, asexual or budding. |
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| Example: Sycon, Spongilla, Euptectella |
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