PORIFERA: THE PHYLUM OF SPONGES
The Porifiera phylum is entirely composed of a myriad of sponge species. The skeleton of a sponge is formed by an endoskeleton usually composed of mesohyl. This is the only form of a skeleton for soft sponges that encrust the hard surfaces of rocks. More commonly the mesohyl is stiffened by mineral spicules, by spongin fibers or both. Spicules may be made of silica or calcium carbonate, and vary in shape from simple rods to three-dimensional "stars" with up to six rays. Spicules are produced by sclerocyte cells, and may be separate, connected by joints, or fused.
These types of skeletons are the most dominant form of skeleton in the phylum porifera, as they are the most suited for sea sponges who live in deep sea environments. The chimney structure found on some species of sponge is an adaptation by these species to better vent the water surronding them. They live symbiotically with the environment. It is their skeleton that allows them to do so, as it helps them adapt to their environments. There are many different types of sponge structures, three being the Syconoid, Asconoid and Leuconoid.
These types of skeletons are the most dominant form of skeleton in the phylum porifera, as they are the most suited for sea sponges who live in deep sea environments. The chimney structure found on some species of sponge is an adaptation by these species to better vent the water surronding them. They live symbiotically with the environment. It is their skeleton that allows them to do so, as it helps them adapt to their environments. There are many different types of sponge structures, three being the Syconoid, Asconoid and Leuconoid.