Three canal systems of the Phylum Porifera.
1. What does the term "canal system" refer to, name any two important functions of this system and name/identify the 2 systems (6)
The term "canal system" in Phylum Porifera refers to a network of canals and chambers that serve important functions within the sponge's body. Two important functions of the canal system are:
1. Water circulation: The canal system helps in the efficient circulation of water through the sponge's body, bringing in nutrients and oxygen while removing waste products.
2. Digestion: The canal system also functions in digestion, with specialized cells within the chambers extracting nutrients from the water passing through.
Here are three canal systems of the Phylum Porifera:
1. Asconoid canal system: In this simple system, water enters through numerous small pores called ostia and flows into a central cavity called the spongocoel, from where it is expelled through a larger opening called the osculum. Sponges with an asconoid canal system are typically small and tube-shaped.
2. Syconoid canal system: This system is more complex than the asconoid system, with a folded body wall that forms flagellated chambers called radial canals. Water enters through small pores into the radial canals, where nutrients are absorbed, before exiting through the osculum. Sponges with a syconoid canal system are usually larger and vase-shaped.
3. Leuconoid canal system: The most complex of the canal systems, the leuconoid system consists of a network of interconnected chambers and canals, allowing for greater surface area for nutrient absorption. Water enters through incurrent canals, passes through choanocyte-lined chambers for digestion, and exits through excurrent canals and the osculum. Sponges with a leuconoid canal system are typically larger and more efficient feeders.