![]() Some bioactive compounds in sponges are useful in the development of drugs. Some species erode coral reefs while also bore into calcareous substrates. ![]() Demosponges are commonly found in marine and freshwater habitats. Unlike other animals, sponges do not have internal systems for transporting food, respiratory gases, or metabolic waste. Members of the Class Calcarea, for example, have spicules made primarily of calcium carbonate, and they are represented by an impressive array of shapes and sizes. Their canals are lined with fla-gellae, which are structures that allow water to pass through them. They are also important because they are thought to be the most primitive living animals, as well as important participants in animal phylogeny studies. Coral reefs, especially those with sponges, are critical to the survival of many aquatic creatures. The presence of sponges in marine and freshwater habitats (ranging from 5000 to 10,000 species) contributes to the diversity of animals. ![]() ![]() Finally, both groups are filter feeders, meaning they use specialized cells to strain food particles from the water around them. Additionally, both sponges and arthropods are sessile animals, meaning they do not move around much. Both groups are members of the phylum Porifera, which contains animals that have a porous body and lack a true nervous system. Sponges and arthropods are related in several ways. ![]()
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