Question

Mention the asexual reproduction structure produced by sponges.

Answer 1

Hint: Sponges shows both sexual and asexual reproduction. Asexual reproduction occurs by budding and fragmentation. They produce certain specialised structures during asexual reproduction that helps them to produce proganies even in hard conditions.

Complete step by step answer:
Sponges are members of the phylum Porifera of the kingdom Animalia. They are generally marine, asymmetrical, primitive multicellular animals with the cellular level of organization.
These are mainly bisexual animals, I.e. hermaphrodites. The same individual produces both egg and sperm. Sponges show both sexual and asexual reproduction. Sexual reproduction occurs through gamete formation and fertilization takes place internally. It has a larval stage distinct in morphology from the adult sponge. That’s why their development is indirect.
In asexual method, they reproduce mainly by budding - internal budding and external budding. In external budding fragmentation and regeneration of buds occurs. In the case of internal budding, a specialized reproductive structure called gemmules is seen in both marine and freshwater sponges. These survive through the hard condition with the help of their cover and in the favorable condition, they germinate to produce new sponge.

Additional Information: Let us know more information about sponges:
- There are at least 5000 different species of sponges, living mainly in coral reefs and the ocean floor.
- Their porous body comes in various shapes and sizes, their diameter ranging from a centimeter to one meter. They are sessile animals, I.e. they can't move from one place to another on their own.
- Asexual reproduction mainly occurs by budding and fragmentation.
- In the sexual reproduction of sponges, sperms are released directly into the water through the osculum. After the sperms enter a female body, they get caught by collar cells and get transported to the egg inside the female body. Their fertilization takes place and the larval stage forms from the zygote.
- The larvae are different from the adult in having cilia which help them propel through the water. The larvae are motile whereas adults are sessile.

Note: Although we mentioned male and female sponges in the information, it should always be remembered that sponges and hermaphrodite. There’s no clear differentiation of gender. However, egg and sperms don’t develop at the same time in a sponge. Therefore, for that time being, the gender of the sponge can be distinguished.