There are four taxonomic groups in this phylum; Porifera, Cnidarian, Echinodermata, and Mollusca

Porifera:

Sponges are part of the phylum Porifera, also known as "pore bearing". They are multicellular and also have many pores and channels to allow water to go in and out. Sponges obtain food oxygen and nutrients by allowing water to flow through their bodies.

They obtain food in 3 different sections

1. Osculum-large excurrent pore

2. Ostia- small incurrent pores

3. Inner chamber and or collar cells that line chamber, absorb Oxygen and Nutrients.

One example of a sponge is the Great Barrel Sponge (Xestospongia muta).

1. Where do they live?

They are found in coral reefs in the Bahamas, Caribbean, and sometimes Florida.

2. Role of Xestospongia muta?

• It filters seawater and increased the number of habitats for species.
• They are underrated animals that actually play a huge role in keeping the ocean liveable.

3. Lifecycle?

See image below

4. Anatomical structure?

See image below

Another species is the Yellow Tube Sponge (Aplysina fistularis).

1. Where do they live?

Live anywhere from Florida to Venezuela.

2. Role of Xestospongia muta?

These sponges also play a huge role in filtering water and creating new habitats that benefits other animals.

3. Lifecycle?

See image below. Follows same path as species listed above.

4. Anatomical structure?

• See image below.
• It is distinguished from long tube shaped growths and has many colors.

Knight, J.D. "Sponges & Sea Squirts." Coral Reef Life on Sea and Sky. Accessed March 06, 2017. http://www.seasky.org/coral-reef-life/sponges-sea-squirts.html.

"Marine Species Identification Portal : Yellow tube sponge - Aplysina fistularis." Marine Species Identification Portal : Yellow tube sponge - Aplysina fistularis. Accessed March 06, 2017. http://species-identification.org/species.php?species_group=caribbean_diving_guide&menuentry=soorten&id=436&tab=beschrijving.

"Sponges." DoralBio5 - Sponges. Accessed March 06, 2017. https://doralbio5.wikispaces.com/Sponges?responseToken=02387d85bcfc71c3a7ca015afd7134901.

Cnidarians:

Cnidarians are often known as Jellyfish, Anemones, and Corals.

There are two common shapes, the medusoid and polypoid.

They have nematocysts which are tentacles that can be used to stun prey.

There are three major groups: Hydrozoans (hydroids), Anthozoans (anemones/coral), and Scyphozoans (jellyfish).

One example is the Box Jellyfish (Chironex fleckeri).

1. Where do they live?

Live anywhere in the Indo-pacific and also in Northern Australia.

2. Role of Chironex fleckeri?

They are predators who contain deadly venom which helps them attack prey.

They are highly advanced for jellyfish.

3. Lifecycle?

See image below.

4. Anatomical structure?

See image below.

Another species is the Sea Mat (Zoanthus pulchellus).

1. Where do they live?

Live anywhere in Bahamas and West Indies.

2. Role of Zoanthus pulchellus?

They have a lot of symbiotic relationships which makes them a popular species in the oceans. They are home to many animals and benefit from this.

3. Lifecycle?

See image below.

4. Anatomical structure?

See image below.

Society, National Geographic. "Sea Anemones, Sea Anemone Pictures, Sea Anemone Facts." National Geographic. Accessed March 06, 2017. http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/invertebrates/sea-anemone/.

Society, National Geographic. "Box Jellyfish, Box Jellyfish Pictures, Box Jellyfish Facts." National Geographic. Accessed March 06, 2017. http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/invertebrates/box-jellyfish/.