\nPorifera is the phylum of the sponges, which are among the simplest animals. They lack specialized tissues, but have specialized cells lodged in a medium called mesohyl. Mesohyl is a nonliving, gelatinous substance that provides structure and also allows movement of cells.<\/p>\n
\nA sponge is a filter-feeder. A basic form is a porous shell surrounding a water-filled chamber. Lining the inner surface of the chamber are specialized cells called choanocytes, each of which has a flagellum. The choanocytes move their flagella to cause the water to flow. As the water moves by, the choanocytes can grab food particles from it and phagocytize them; this is how the sponge feeds. The water eventually exits through a hole at the end, which causes replenishment through pores on the sides of the sponge.<\/p>\n
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bio.libretexts.org<\/a><\/p>\n bio.libretexts.org<\/a><\/p>\nJack of Oracle Tutoring by Jack and Diane,<\/a> Campbell River, BC.\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Tutoring biology, characteristics of various phyla are discussed. The tutor mentions Phylum Porifera. Porifera is the phylum of the sponges, which are among the simplest animals. They lack specialized tissues, but have specialized cells lodged in a medium called mesohyl. …<\/p>\n