Sponge

Definition

A sponge is a porous, marine invertebrate animal that lacks specialized organs and tissues. It is characterized by a skeletal structure that provides support and a means of filtering water to obtain food and oxygen.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The skeletal structure of a sponge is made up of a network of flexible, fibrous proteins called spongin, which provide the sponge with its characteristic elastic properties.
2. Sponges have a high degree of porosity, which allows water to flow through their body, enabling them to filter and extract nutrients, oxygen, and other necessary resources from the surrounding water.
3. The elastic properties of a sponge's skeletal structure allow it to deform under stress, such as water currents or physical contact, and then return to its original shape when the stress is removed.
4. The tensile strength of a sponge's skeletal structure is an important factor in its ability to withstand the forces exerted by the surrounding environment, such as waves and predators.
5. The porous nature of a sponge's body also contributes to its ability to absorb and retain water, making it a useful material for various applications, such as cleaning and personal hygiene.

Review Questions

• Explain how the porosity of a sponge's skeletal structure contributes to its ability to filter water and obtain necessary resources.
  • The high degree of porosity in a sponge's skeletal structure allows water to flow freely through its body, enabling the sponge to filter and extract nutrients, oxygen, and other necessary resources from the surrounding water. This porous network of channels and cavities provides a large surface area for the sponge to absorb and utilize the essential components it needs to survive and thrive in its marine environment.
• Describe the role of elasticity in a sponge's skeletal structure and how it allows the sponge to respond to stresses in its environment.
  • The flexible, fibrous proteins that make up a sponge's skeletal structure, known as spongin, provide the sponge with a high degree of elasticity. This elasticity allows the sponge to deform under stress, such as water currents or physical contact, and then return to its original shape when the stress is removed. This ability to flex and rebound helps the sponge withstand the forces exerted by its surrounding environment, ensuring its survival and continued functioning.
• Analyze how the tensile strength of a sponge's skeletal structure contributes to its overall resilience and ability to withstand various threats in its marine ecosystem.
  • The tensile strength of a sponge's skeletal structure is a critical factor in its ability to withstand the forces exerted by its surrounding environment, such as waves, predators, and other physical stresses. This tensile strength, which is a measure of the maximum stress a material can withstand before it breaks or fails, allows the sponge's skeletal structure to maintain its integrity and shape, even when subjected to significant external pressures. By possessing a high tensile strength, the sponge's skeletal framework can effectively protect the sponge's internal structures and enable it to continue carrying out its vital functions, ultimately enhancing the sponge's overall resilience and chances of survival within its marine ecosystem.

Related terms

Porosity: The measure of the void spaces in a material, and is a fraction of the volume of voids over the total volume, expressed as a percentage.

Elasticity: The ability of a material to deform under stress and then return to its original shape and size when the stress is removed.

Tensile Strength: The maximum stress a material can withstand while being stretched or pulled before it breaks or fails.