Tony Molloy and Sarah Cantor

Ecology of Sponges paragraph

Sponges are ideal habitats for marine animals because they are large
irregular shapes. They allow for protection. The organisms and sponges
are mutually beneficial because the sponge offers protection while the
organisms offer food and oxygen. Sponges get enough light to carry out
photosynthesis by having spicules that direct sunlight to the cells that carry
out the photosynthesis. This is an important adaptation because it allows
sponges to live in a wider range of environments.
Porifera vs Cnidaria
The overall body plan is different between the Porifera and Cnidaria
because the Porifera are asymmetrical and the Cnidaria have radial
symmetry. They have a nerve net for a response. They have specialized
ograns for reproduction. Both Porifera and Cnidaria reproduce sexual
and/or asexual, but Porifera have internal fertilization while Cnidaria have
external fertilization.
Cnidaria vs Annelida
The Annelida has a closed circulation system as where Cnidaria has
an open circulation system. Annelida have gills and when dwelling they
take in oxygen and give off carbon dioxide through moist skin. The Cnidaria
use diffusion through their body walls. Annelida are hermaphrodites, but
only reproduce sexually. Also, their bodies are segmented, but the
Cnidarias have cylindrical bodies.
Annelida vs Mollusca
Molluscs have evolved more body parts such as feet, mantle, and
visceral mass. Molluscs can be herbivores, detritivores, carnivores, filter
feeders, or parasites. Annelia have a closed circulatory system, while
Mollusca have both open or closed circulatory systems. They both
reproduce sexually. They both have external fertilization. Annelida have a

well developed nervous system as where Moluscas nervous systems vary

between different types of Mollusca.
Mollusca vs Arthropoda
The Mollusca have a soft body, but the Arthropoda have a hard shell
type of body. They both use diffusion for the respiratory system. The
Mollusca have both open or closed circulatory system, while the Arthropoda
have only an open circulatory system. They both reproduce sexually.
Arthropoda have evolved better ways of movement than the Mollusca. Both
Arthropoda and Mollusca reproduce sexually and lay eggs. Arthropoda
have developed a better nervous system.