PORIFERA

The first set of organisms you will examine for this lab are members of Porifera,
commonly referred to as sponges. Most sponges are marine filter-feeders; sponges are
sessile, made up of very few cell types, have a simple body plan that includes many
pores and canals for feeding, and are supported by a hard secreted skeleton. For this
lab, use the diagram below to help you identify different structures and cells types on
the specimens provided; also be sure to add your own sketches.

The structure of a sponge. Image taken from http://chsweb.lr.k12.nj.us/mstanley/outlines/animals/porifera/porifera.htm

STATION 1: TWO DISSECTING SCOPES - SILK SPONGE AND FINGER SPONGE

At the first scope is a bath or silk sponge. The skeleton of bath sponges is
composed of a protein called spongin. Note the general structure of the skeletal
material the texture, density, etc. What category of sponge does this fall into?

At the second scope is a finger sponge, a calcarious sponge. How is the structure
and texture different than the silk sponge?

What is a potential difference in the environment or niche occupied by these two

sponges that could explain the differences in their structure?

STATION 2: WHOLE BATH SPONGE

Based on your observations at station 1, identify what category this sponge belongs
to.

Identify, and roughly sketch, the sponge

structure, including oscula, the large
openings through which water flows out of
the sponge.
Why is water flow critical for sponge feeding?

STATION 3: WHOLE BATH SPONGE AND HOUSEHOLD SPONGE

Although the household sponges we use routinely are synthetic, members of
porifera were originally and sometimes still used for the same purpose. Describe
at least two features of porifera that make them useful as household sponges.

STATION 4: GRANTIA SPECIMEN AND SLIDE

Grantia is a genus of calcareous sponges (see specimen). Under the light
microscope, observe a longitudinal cross-section of a Grantia sample. Sketch the
general structure, including labeling the main features such as osculum and pores
(dont worry about individual cells here).

STATION 5: SCYPHA CROSS-SECTION

Under the light microscope, observe and
roughly sketch a transverse cross-section
through the Grantia (Scypha) specimen.
Identify the collar cells, or choanocytes, that
line the pores. These flagellated cells help
create the water current that draws food
particles into the sponge.
How is the location of the collar cells in the
sponge body adapted to serve their function?

(Possible Station 6 wet mount of liquid from Grantia specimen to observe spicules?)

CNIDARIA
The second group of organisms you will examine during this lab are the Cnidarians.
These marine invertebrates have radial symmetry, and often exist in two forms a
sessile polyp form, and a motile medusa form; however, some cnidarians spend most or
all of their time in only one of these stages. The life-cycle and basic anatomy of a
jellyfish is shown below use this to help you identify features on and answer questions
about the specimens for this lab.

The life-cycle of a freshwater jellyfish. Image taken from http://www.kentuckyawake.org/Cnidarians

STATION 6: CORAL BOX

A number of different coral species (Anthozoa) are displayed, with a variety of
structures of the secreted exoskeletons. For each of the species, provide a possible
explanation for how the structure might be adapted for the niche of the coral.
Consider factors such as habitat, predation, feeding, etc. Your answers do not have
to be accurate, but you should justify them.
Brownstem Coral

Blue Ridge Coral

Pacific Elk Coral

Flower Coral

Mushroom Coral

Pipe Organ Coral

Brown Sea Fan

Caribbean Sea Fan

Sea Plume

STATION 7: SEA ANEMONE SPECIMEN AND

BOX
To which category of cnidaria do sea
anemones belong? What stage of the
cnidarian life-cycle do they represent?

Sketch the body of the sea anemone.

Specifically identify the tentacles and pedal
disk. The single opening that serves as both
the mouth and anus is located between the
tentacles.

STATION 8: HYDRA SPECIMEN AND SLIDE

The hydra exists in the polyp (sessile) form. They attach to a hard surface at the
basal disk, and opposite this is the mouth and tentacles. Try to distinguish these
features on the whole preserved hydra specimen. Then, using the magnified slide,
sketch the hydra and label the mouth, tentacles, and basal disk.

STATION 9: OBELIA SLIDE AND SPECIMEN

What stage of the cnidarian life-cycle is demonstrated by the Obelia specimen you
are observing here? Is it sessile or motile, and what features help you determine
this?

Roughly sketch the structure of this

cnidarian; identify the mouth and tentacles.
Although you may not be able to see them,
cnidaria also possess specialized cells with
stinging filamants called cnidocytes. Based
on their function in capturing prey for feeding,
label where you predict these cells to be
located.

STATION 10: AURELIA SLIDE AND JELLYFISH

SPECIMEN
What stage of the cnidarian life-cycle do
these specimens represent?

Roughly sketch the structure of the Aurelia

specimen under the light microscope. Label
the bell, tenticles, and gonads. See if you
can also identify these features on the larger
specimen.

STATION 11: NO STATION

Based on what you have learned from examining these specimens and in class, how
are porifera and cnidaria similar or different in their:
Habitat
Feeding
Body plan
Life cycle