1. Sponges

a. are nonsymmetrical and have oscula
b. lack organization into tissues and organs but have specialized cells
c. possess cells that are capable of recognizing other sponge cells and have a simple digestive system
d. both a and b
I'm so confused on this question, because I think it's all of them...?

-MC

you are almost right....however, sponges do not have a digestive system. Everything else is true.

To determine the correct answer to this multiple-choice question about sponges, we need to carefully analyze the given options.

Option a states that sponges are nonsymmetrical and have oscula. Oscula are openings through which water exits the sponge. This statement is accurate as sponges do commonly have oscula.

Option b states that sponges lack organization into tissues and organs but have specialized cells. This statement is also true. Sponges have specialized cells but lack the level of organization seen in higher-level organisms with distinct tissues and organs.

Option c suggests that sponges possess cells capable of recognizing other sponge cells and have a simple digestive system. This is also accurate. Sponges do have a simple digestive system, and their cells can recognize and interact with each other.

Given that all three options (a, b, and c) provide accurate statements about sponges, the correct answer is option d: both a and b.

It is important to carefully read each option and evaluate whether the statements they make are accurate or not. In this case, all three statements are true, so option d is the correct answer.