Question

Which sponge is known as the ‘Boring Sponge’?
A. Cliona
B. Euplectella
C. Chalina
D. Hyalonema

Answer 1

Hint: Sponges belong to the phylum Porifera. They are multicellular soft bodied animals – their body comprising numerous pores. The pores on the sponge body allow water circulation through them. Sponges are of several types owing to their diverse morphology and behaviour.

Complete answer:
Cliona species are called Boring Sponges. They are commonly found on coral reefs. Boring Sponges are so named because they bore into the calcareous shells of molluscs and limestones. Cliona species generally live in colonies and are yellow, green or red in colour. Boring sponges secrete an acid which is used to bore into the molluscan shells and limestones. The mechanism of boring is fatal to molluscs and they are killed in the process. Boring sponges are major pests to oysters.
Euplectella are Glass sponges. They are cup shaped animals found deep in the oceans. Certain glass sponges form reefs in the oceans. The most widely known of these sponges is Venus’s Flower Basket.
Chalina species are commonly known as Finger sponges. Their body is long cylindrical and resembles fingers, hence the name. Finger sponges are branched animals that live attached to the ocean substratum. Reproduction in finger sponges may be sexual or asexual.
Hyalonema are Glass rope sponges. Their bodies comprise a spherical apical part from which finger-like projections of silica hang. Hence, the name Glass rope sponge. These sponges are present at great oceanic depths. Hyalonema lives in symbiosis with a variety of anemones.
Therefore, we can conclude that Cliona species are called Boring Sponges.

Hence, option (A) is correct.

Note: Sponges are pore bearing animals found in depths of the oceans. They are generally attached to any substratum in the oceans. The body systems like the digestive system, nervous system, circulatory system are absent. Sponges have a well-developed water vascular system in which water flows through the pores on the body of the sponge. The animal is dependent on the water for oxygen and food materials. Sponges are of various types according to their physical appearance, namely boring sponges, glass sponges, finger sponges, etc.