MeSH 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 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.