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Concept information

Preferred term

Porifera  

Type

  • mesh:Descriptor

Definition

  • The phylum of sponges which are sessile, suspension-feeding, multicellular animals that utilize flagellated cells called choanocytes to circulate water. Most are hermaphroditic. They are probably an early evolutionary side branch that gave rise to no other group of animals. Except for about 150 freshwater species, sponges are marine animals. They are a source of ALKALOIDS; STEROLS; and other complex molecules useful in medicine and biological research. The largest class in the phylum PORIFERA, comprised of over 95% of all living species. Most have siliceous spicules and/or a fibrous skeleton.

Broader concept

Entry terms

  • Sponges
  • Sponges (Zoology)
  • Sponge (Zoology)
  • txid6040
  • txid6042

In other languages

  • French

  • Éponges (zoologie)
  • Porifères
  • Spongiaires
  • txid6040
  • txid6042

URI

http://data.loterre.fr/ark:/67375/JVR-B20QF6GB-P

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