MARSEILLE, France- The discovery of crustacean-crunching sponge in the shallows of the Mediterranean Sea has surprised marine biologists and confused taxonomists. Researchers from the Marseille Center of Oceanography discovered the new species in a cave at a depth of about 20 meters. Upon initial observation the sponge more closely resembled deep-sea cladorhizid sponges than the type found closer to the surface which is still used today for scrubbing off dirt in the bathtub. Indeed, the new species appears to belong to the genus Asbestopluma which holds the depth record for all genera of sponges, 8,840 meters. The typical sponge is a filter feeder, pumping water through an aquiferous system via specialized cells called choanocytes. The new species is devoid of both the choanocytes and the aquiferous system. Since it lacked the tubes and tunnels that most sponges use to filter-feed, the researchers wondered how it fed itself. Anatomic and biological analysis of both living and preserved specimens revealed the presence of spiky filaments with raised hook-shaped spicules. At first the researchers thought the newly discovered sponge fed on dissolved organic matter by passive phagocytosis, as do some of it deep-sea cousins. However, subsequent analysis showed the presence of minute crustaceans caught within the filaments. ``Once captive, the crustaceans were unable to free themselves. They remained struggling for several hours, which indicates that there was no paralyzing or toxic secretion. New, thin filaments grew over the prey, which was completely enveloped after one day and digested within a few days,'' notes Jean Vacelet, University of Aix, Marseille. The discovery of the new sponge raises fundamental questions about current classifications used to distinguish the phyla of lower invertebrates, since is lacks many of the basic attributes of known sponges. Were it not for its resemblance to several species of Porifera it might qualify for recognition as a distinct phylum. Rather, it appears the novel creature is a sponge that has developed several adaptations to accommodate to its environment, he noted Sponges- phylum Porifera, are sometimes considered an evolutionary dead end since no other animal groups are derived from them. Biologists are still divided on whether the sponge is a true multicellular organism or a colony of cells. Interestingly, if the individual cells of a living sponge are separated and then mixed together again, the cells will reassemble into the original organized shape.
A sponge needs a house in the bottom of the sea, It needs to be named Spongebob to survive. It also needs a rotten pineapple to be his house. The sponge might need a pet snail that can live underwater named Gary. The sponge needs friends! One friend named squidward, another patrick, and sandy! The sponge also needs to work at The Krusty Krab. These are some of the things a sponge needs to survive!
The spicules of some sponges focus and direct sunlight to cells lying below the surface of the sponge, where symbiotic organisms carry out photosynthesis.
they dont.
Well sponges environment need lots of water and clean air and also clean everything!
how do leeches adapt their environment
Rainforests have developed various adaptations to thrive in their environment, such as tall trees to capture sunlight, broad leaves for efficient photosynthesis, and dense foliage to retain moisture and provide habitat for diverse species. Additionally, many plants have evolved symbiotic relationships with animals for pollination and seed dispersal. The high biodiversity in rainforests helps in creating a resilient ecosystem that can withstand disturbances like storms and droughts.
How did Jamestown colonists adapt to their environment?
If plants do not adapt, they do not survive in that particular environment.
The desert is the environment. It does not adapt. Organisms in an ecosystem adapt to the environment.
Only living things adapt to the environment. Uluru is a natural land feature, and not alive. It does not need to adapt to the environment.
Rats adapt to their environment by pooing and sitting in it!
can technology help people adapt environment
They PUFF UP !
To survive. If an organism does not adapt it dies.