First Animals: Sponges and Animal Diversity

Probably a deep ocean carnivorous sponge. NOAA/via Flickr-Creative Commons License

Mermaid's Glove (Haliclona oculata) Creative Commons License: Photo by Bernad Picton.

       In lab, we recently examined sponges in the phylum Porifera. I wanted to share with you an article reporting on how sponges might have been important in laying the groundwork for the evolution of all animals.  As you read the articles, keep in mind the major characteristics and evolutionary innovations of animals in Porifera.   

Did sponges play a critical role in the evolution of all animals?

   In the March, 13th, 2013 New York Times, the wonderful science writer, Carl Zimmer, reported on research that suggests that around 700 million years ago sponges played a critical role in the transition between an oxygen poor and oxygen rich world, and without these first animals, life as we know it, might not exist. To learn more about it, check out the article.

• Carl Zimmer also blogs at National Geographic, check it out.
• You can also find him on twitter @carlzimmer

Review and questions to keep in mind

• Sponges are marine and freshwater animals, come in a diversity of shapes and sizes, and most are filter-feedings, although some deep water sponges are carnivorous. 
  
• Why are Sponges (Porifera) are grouped in Parazoa? What are the characteristics of animals in Metazoan, Parazoa, and Eumetazoa?