The Taxonomy of Sponges is Determined By

Question

The taxonomy of sponges is determined by
A)the shape of the choanocytes.
B)the complexity of the osculum.
C)the material that composes the skeleton.
D)the presence or absence of porocytes.
E)the shape of the body of the sponge.

Accepted Answer

The taxonomy of sponges is determined primarily by the material that composes the skeleton, with sponges being classified into four classes based on this criterion: Class Calcarea (calcium carbonate), Class Hexactinellida (silica), Class Demospongiae (spongin, silica spicules, or both), and Class Homoscleromorpha (spongin or siliceous spicules).

Additional note: While the other factors listed in the answer choices may be used to describe specific features of sponges, they are not the main criteria for classification.