Throw in the Sponge!

15 Points Per Correct Answer - No time limit  

1. All animal species are classified into phyla, so let's get right to it. Sponges are classified in what phylum? Ctenophora Cnidaria Porifera Arthropoda

2. All organisms must consume nutrients in order to live, and sponges are certainly no exception. Which type of food source do sponges NOT consume? organic particles bacteria sea slugs plankton

3. Sponges are some of the most primitive animals still around today. What characteristic of sponges is often cited as evidence that they should NOT be classified as animals? lack of true tissues sessile (non-moving) adults lack of a circulatory system filter feeding

4. It is well known that sponges are sessile; they are generally not able to move. However, there are a few ways in which sponges can move. Which is NOT a type of movement exhibited by sponges? closing of oscula and ostia (pores) swimming larvae burrowing into the sand creeping along the ocean or lake floor

5. The "loofah" or "luffa", used by some people while bathing or showering, is made from a species of sponge. True False

6. Humans have long used sponges for a variety of tasks, including cleaning, water filtration, drinking vessels, painting, and padding. Which other species has also been observed using sponges as tools? blue whale hawksbill turtle veined octopus bottlenose dolphin

7. Many aquatic species are spongivorous. Some species feed exclusively on sponges, and some feed only on a single species of sponge. The usual predators of sponges include turtles, angelfish, sea stars, sea slugs, snails, crabs, and fungi. However, there exists an insect larva which is specialized to feed almost solely upon sponges. Which species is it? spongillafly rove beetle water strider non-biting midge

8. The lifespans of sponge species are also quite varied. Some live only a few months, while most live a few years. Even fewer sponge species live to see age twenty or more. Which class of sponges, known to be long-lived, contains a species of which some individuals have been estimated to be between 15,000 and 23,000 years old? Hexactinellida Demospongiae Calcarea Sclerospongiae

9. It is no wonder that the not-so-quick yet ancient and successful sponges have evolved several defenses against predators. Which of the following is NOT a predation defense mechanism employed by sponges? ink clouds sharp spicules toxic chemicals shedded spicule carpet

10. Perhaps now you have learned that sponge ecology involves a lot of predation and defense mechanisms. However, many species of sponge are quite friendly to some of the other aquatic fauna. Which aptly named species of sponge is home to a mated pair of shrimp who spend nearly their entire lives inside the sponge? Cupid's Arrow Sponge Aphrodite's Love Tube Sponge of Eros Venus's Flower Basket