The Wonderful World of Sponges
Interesting information sponge.
Sponges may look like plants, but experts accurately described sponges as animals. Experts estimate that live throughout the world’s lakes and oceans and include a stunning variety of colors and shapes.
Sponges may resemble slender fingers, spreading carpets, bulging barrels and even delicate crystal vases. Some grow taller than a man while others are smaller than a grain of rice. Scientists believe that some sponges may be hundreds of years old.
Fossil sponge via Wikipedia
In development, structure and function, sponges are distinct from other animals, sponges have no internal body organs. Tiny cells within the sponge care for the many functions that sustain life. Specialized cells transport nutrients, catch food, or remove waste, others labor to construct skin component or skeletal.
Sponge via Wikipedia
Sponges possess a feeding system unique among animals, tiny pores in the outer skin lead to a maze of tunnels and chambers that honey comb the sponge. Millions of tiny rowing cells, line the walls of this labyrinth, the sponge extracts nutrients, toxic chemicals, and about 90 percent of all bacteria present in the water.
The constant flow of food and water through a sponge makes it an ideal home for crabs, shrimps, and other tiny creatures. One sponge contained numerous algas, bacteria, and funguses enjoy symbiotic, relationships with sponges.
Sponges are unique in additional ways. Mash a live sponge through a sieve, and the cells will group together to reform the original animal. Grind two sponges together, and the cells will gradually separate to reconstitute each original parent.
Many sponges are abrasive or rigid, unlike the soft and fibrous bath sponge. These sponges contain millions of tiny crystals called spicules, when spicules are examined under a microscope, their variety and beauty stagger the imagination. linked together in various ways, spicules can create intricate protective armor, skeletons, and even cables that measure up to 10 feet long.
Scientists have found sponges to be a promising source of new and unique pharmaceutical drugs, believe that such drugs may prove useful in combating AIDS, malaria, cancer, and other diseases.
Please take a look at my other articles, thanks.
Liked it
2 Responses to “The Wonderful World of Sponges”
On November 3, 2009 at 11:31 pm
Wonderful info on sponges. You taught me a new lesson here, thanks.
On November 9, 2009 at 1:16 pm
It’s always wonderful to hear about the wonderful things that mother nature has provided us with. Unfortunately, quite often, the info is so detailed that it goes completely over my head but this gives all the necessary information but in a bite sized chunk! Thanks for teaching me something really interesting!!
Post Comment