Sponges

Sponges are simple, aquatic animals that belong to the phylum Porifera. They have porous bodies made of a flexible skeleton, allowing water to flow through tiny holes called pores. As water passes through, sponges filter out food particles, bacteria, and oxygen, which they absorb for nourishment and respiration. They have specialized cells but lack true tissues and organs. Sponges mainly reside in marine environments, attaching themselves to rocks or coral. Their ability to filter large volumes of water plays a vital role in maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems.