The word "sponges" is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription /spʌn-dʒɪz/. The first syllable is pronounced as "spʌn", with the "u" sound as in "cup" and the "n" sound following after. The second syllable is pronounced as "dʒɪz", with the "dʒ" sound as in "jungle", followed by the "ɪ" sound as in "it" and the "z" sound at the end. This plural form of "sponge" refers to the absorbing sea creature or a cleaning tool made of porous material.
Sponges refer to multicellular, filter-feeding organisms that belong to the phylum Porifera. They are considered one of the simplest and primitive forms of animals, lacking true tissues and organs. Sponges can be found in a wide range of marine habitats, from freshwater to saltwater environments, and can also be found in some terrestrial habitats.
The body structure of sponges is characterized by a porous and flexible body, typically composed of two layers of cells separated by a jelly-like substance called mesohyl. The outer layer contains cells called pinacocytes, which cover the surface of the sponge, while the inner layer is composed of flagellated cells known as choanocytes. These choanocytes have specialized whip-like structures, called flagella, that create water currents and help in capturing food particles.
Sponges are filter-feeders, meaning they extract food from the water by filtering it through their body. They obtain nutrients by trapping microscopic organisms such as bacteria and plankton, as well as organic debris present in the water. Water enters their body through numerous pores called ostia and exits through a large opening called the osculum.
Sponges play a crucial role in marine ecosystems as they serve as habitat for various microorganisms and provide shelter for juvenile fish and invertebrates. Additionally, they contribute to nutrient cycling by filtering large amounts of water, removing excess particles, and promoting water clarity. Some species of sponges exhibit remarkable chemical and pharmacological properties, making them of interest for medical research and potential pharmaceutical applications.
The word "sponges" has its origins in the Old English word "spong", which ultimately comes from the Latin word "spongia". The Latin term, in turn, can be traced back to the Ancient Greek word "spongia". Thus, the English word "sponges" is derived from these earlier linguistic sources.