PORIFERAN Meaning and
Definition
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A poriferan is a member of the phylum Porifera, who are commonly known as sponges. These intriguing organisms are simple multicellular animals that lack true tissues and organs. Poriferans are characterized by their porous body structure, composed of numerous pores (also known as ostia) and a complex system of canals. They are considered one of the earliest branches in the animal kingdom, dating back hundreds of millions of years.
The poriferan body is made up of a gelatinous region called mesohyl, which is sandwiched between two cell layers: the external pinacoderm and the internal choanoderm. The entire body is supported by a skeleton composed of tiny needle-like structures called spicules, which can be made of calcium carbonate or silica.
These fascinating creatures are filter feeders, constantly pumping water through their body to extract nutrients like bacteria, plankton, and organic matter. The water is drawn in through the numerous ostia, then expelled through a larger opening known as the osculum. Poriferans play an important ecological role by filtering large volumes of water, contributing to the nutrient cycling in marine and aquatic ecosystems.
Poriferans exhibit a great diversity of forms and can be found in various habitats such as freshwater, marine environments, and even in deep-sea ecosystems. They range in size from a few millimeters to several meters in height, such as the massive barrel sponges. Poriferans are not only ecologically significant but also provide sources of compounds with potential biomedical applications due to their unique chemical and genetic features.
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One of the porifera or group of animals comprising the sponges.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for PORIFERAN
- ooriferan
- loriferan
- -oriferan
- 0oriferan
- piriferan
- pkriferan
- plriferan
- ppriferan
- p0riferan
- p9riferan
- poeiferan
- podiferan
- pofiferan
- potiferan
- po5iferan
- po4iferan
- poruferan
- porjferan
- porkferan
Etymology of PORIFERAN
The word poriferan is derived from the combination of two Latin roots: porus meaning pore and ferre meaning to bear or to carry. The term was coined in the early 19th century to describe a group of organisms characterized by their porous body structure. Poriferans, also known as sponges, have numerous small openings called pores that allow water to flow through their bodies, giving rise to the name poriferan.
Similar spelling words for PORIFERAN
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