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Like all other organisms, sponges need to produce and generate offspring. However, their methods of performing such quintessential tasks are very divsersified. Unlike humans, porifera may propogate both sexually and asexually. The processes may be oviparous, where there is a mass spawning of eggs and sperm, or vivivparous, where the cells are incubated prior to releasal. In addition, sponges may commence to reproduce at the age of three years. The genetics systematics of porifera are fundamentals of new scientific research throughout the world. By revealing and untangling the convoluted and cryptic reproduction patterns of porifera, it is theorized that such research may be implemented to benefit humans. Below is a comparison of sponge reproduction processes. (To learn about recent research, follow the link to the current studies section of this site.) Asexual methods of reproduction 1) Budding and Gemules- A mini-sponge branch forms on the exterior of the sponge. After a period of time, currents may cause this to break off from the rest of the sponge.
2) If a conglomeration of sponge cells is extracted from the main body of the sponge, it will develop into another porifera.
Sexual methods of reproduction
1) Basically, most sponges are hermoprhoditic (being of both genders or able to change between these genders). Eggs and sperm are released, and these cells are cross fertilized. Whence, they float to some uninhabited section of the ocean floor and initiate their life as a sponge. This is actually synchronized between species.
Two important terms to remember are viviparous and oviparous. Viviparous sponges incubate the eggs within their branches before releasal. Oviparous simply release the sponges. |
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