Why the sponges are asymmetrical.reason ?

Question

Answer

Sponges of class Demospongiae have an irregular body shape. The body symmetry is lost due to presence of most complicated canal system i.e. leuconoid canal system.
Hence, asymmetrical sponges mostly occur in Demospongiae.

Answer

Sponges are asymmetrical. They have no front or back, and no right or left side. The choanocytes are specialized cells that use flagella to move a current of water through the sponge, the water leave through to osculum.  Sponges have a simple skeleton.....

Answer

Sponges: Asymmetry and its Reasons

Asymmetry is a characteristic feature of sponges, which are simple multicellular organisms belonging to the phylum Porifera. Unlike most other animals, sponges lack distinct body symmetry, such as bilateral or radial symmetry. Instead, they exhibit a diverse range of shapes and forms, including irregular, tubular, and branching. The lack of symmetry in sponges is mainly attributed to their unique body structure, physiology, and mode of development. Let's delve into the reasons behind the asymmetry of sponges:

1. Cellular Level Organization:
Sponges possess a cellular level of organization, where their cells are loosely associated and not organized into tissues or organs like in more complex organisms. This loose arrangement allows for flexibility in body shape and the absence of a specific body plan or symmetry.

2. Ostia and Oscula:
Sponges have specialized openings called ostia, through which water enters their bodies, and larger openings called oscula, through which water exits. These openings are irregularly distributed throughout the sponge's body, contributing to their asymmetrical appearance.

3. Filter-Feeding Lifestyle:
Sponges are filter feeders, meaning they obtain nutrition by filtering small organic particles from the water. Their asymmetrical body structure allows them to maximize water flow through their bodies and increase the surface area available for capturing food particles.

4. Growth and Regeneration:
Sponges have remarkable regenerative abilities and can regenerate from small fragments or even individual cells. Their asymmetrical body plan facilitates this regrowth and regeneration process by allowing new cells to differentiate and form the necessary structures in response to environmental conditions.

5. Heterogeneous Cell Types:
Sponges consist of different types of cells, each performing specific functions. These cells are spread throughout the sponge's body without a particular pattern, contributing to the overall asymmetry. The varied distribution of cells allows sponges to adapt to different environmental conditions and optimize their survival strategies.

6. Environmental Factors:
The development and growth of sponges can be influenced by environmental factors such as water currents, light exposure, and substrate availability. The asymmetrical body form of sponges allows them to adapt to these varying environmental conditions by adjusting their shape and size accordingly.

In conclusion, the asymmetry of sponges is a result of their cellular level organization, specialized openings for water flow, filter-feeding lifestyle, regenerative abilities, heterogeneous cell types, and environmental factors. These factors collectively contribute to the diverse shapes and forms observed in sponges, making them a unique group of organisms within the animal kingdom.

Top Courses for Class 12

Suggested Free Tests

Related Content

Schools

Competitive Examinations

Quick Access Links

Technical Exams