Sponge and Cnidaria Webquest
Sponge and Cnidaria Webquest
Sponge and Cnidaria Webquest
Though plant-like in appearance, sponges are actually one of the most primitive animals in the sea. The phylum
Porifera contains about 10,000 different species. In the ocean, live sponges can be found in an infinite variety of
colors and shapes. Most of them are relatively small, but some varieties can grow to over 6 feet in diameter.
Sponges differ from all other marine invertebrates in that they have no true tissues or organs. Their structure is
composed of simple groups of cells. Inspite of what cartoonist continue to portray as a real living sponge Sponge Bob is NOT a real sponge - sadly he is a synthetic sponge and does not show the true characteristics of
a real sponge.
Using the websites listed and hyperlinked throughout this paper, navigate the web and answer the questions.
http://www.oceanicresearch.org/education/wonders/sponges.html
Sponge Basics:
1. Describe the animal known as a sponge
6. Where are collar cells located and what are the two functions of these specialized cells?
Where:
Function 1:
Function 2:
7.Jellylike cells or ________________________, takes the food to other cells within the sponge.
8. The "skeleton" of the sponge is composed of tiny needle-like splinters called __________________,
a mesh of protein called spongin, or a combination of both.
9.What are the two functions of spicules?
Function 1:
Function 2:
Sponge reproduction:
14. Explain the process of reproduction in the sponge: be sure to use the following terms in your
description: hermaphroditic, gamete, spawn, planktonic larvae.
Sponge Defense:
http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/porifera/porifera.htm
15. List 4 ways sponges defend themselves.
a.
b.
c.
d.
Human Uses:
16.How are sponges used by humans?
http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/cnidaria/cnidaria.htm
24. What do Cnidairnas eat?
http://www.oceanicresearch.org/education/wonders/cnidarian.html
Body form:
26.Describe the two basic body plans of Cnidarians; explain how they are different from one another.
Flashy Features:
http://jellieszone.com/nematocysts/
28. What are nematocysts?
29. List 4 functions of nematocysts.
a.
b.
c.
d.
30. Where are the 2 main locations of nematocysts?
a.
b.
31. What causes a Nematocyst to discharge?
32. How often can the mechanism in the nematocyst be triggered?
http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/cnidaria/cnidaria.htm
Human Uses:
34. How do humans use cnidarians?
Status & Threats:
35. How do humans place the survival of cnidarians in danger?
The Most DEADLY: The BOX Jelly Fish
36. What is the genus/species name of the box jelly fish.
http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/invertebrates/box-jellyfish/
37. What are 2 other common names of the box jelly fish.
a.
b.
38. Make a physical description of the box jelly fish.
39. According to the map, where does the box jellyfish live?