Five-part body symmetry in adult echinoderms.
Pentamerous radial symmetry
Unique canal system used for movement and feeding in echinoderms.
Water vascular system
Asexual reproduction method where a broken part of a sponge grows into a new sponge.
Fragmentation
Process by which sponges exchange gases and remove wastes.
Diffusion
Cells that metabolize and distribute food in sponges.
Archeocytes (Amoebocytes)
Feeding method used by sponges.
Filter feeding
The most complex sponge body type.
Leuconoid
Cells that maintain water flow and trap food in sponges.
Choanocytes
Internal cavity of a sponge.
Spongocoel
Large opening at the top of a sponge where water exits.
Osculum
Class of echinoderms that includes sea stars.
Asteroidea
Small pincer-like defensive structures in sea stars and sea urchins.
Pedicellariae
Calcareous opening that filters water into the water vascular system.
Madreporite
Small calcareous plates embedded in the body wall of echinoderms.
Ossicles
Type of symmetry exhibited by adult echinoderms.
Radial symmetry
Sea urchin species classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN.
Echinus esculentus
Class of echinoderms that includes sea urchins, sand dollars, and heart urchins.
Echinoidea
3. The bottom surface of a sea urchin where the mouth is located.
3. Oral side (Oral surface)
Jaw-like feeding structure found in sea urchins.
Aristotle’s Lantern
Class of echinoderms that includes brittle stars.
Ophiuroidea
Tiny pores where water enters a sponge.
Ostia
The primary environment where most sponge species are found.
Marine environments
The phylum name that means “pore bearers.”
Porifera
Percentage range representing the majority of animal species that are invertebrates.
95–98%
Aquatic animals without backbones.
Aquatic Invertebrates