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Which species of sponges is commonly called glass sponge due to the presence of silica spicules?
Calcarea
Spongilla
Planaria
Euplectella
Euplectella
Euplectella, commonly known as Venus Flower Basket, is a marine sponge belonging to the class Hexactinellida. It is called a 'glass sponge' because its skeleton is composed of intricate, glass-like spicules made of silica (SiO2тАЛ).
Euplectella, commonly known as Venus Flower Basket, is a marine sponge belonging to the class Hexactinellida. It is called a 'glass sponge' because its skeleton is composed of intricate, glass-like spicules made of silica (SiO2тАЛ).
Think of it like a delicate fiber-optic chandelier grown by an animal; just as glass transmits light and provides rigidity, the silica lattice of the sponge provides a rigid, transparent framework.
E-Glass: Euplectella is the Glass sponge.
SiO2тАЛ тАФ Chemical formula of the silica that forms the spicules
Si(OH)4тАЛ тАФ Formula for orthosilicic acid present in the ocean
The spicules are formed through a biological process called biosilicification, where the sponge extracts dissolved silicic acid (Si(OH)4тАЛ) from seawater. These spicules are organized into a lattice structure that provides structural support and mimics the optical properties of fiber-optic glass.
Class Hexactinellida sponges are characterized by six-rayed siliceous spicules.
Euplectella is famous for its symbiotic relationship with shrimps that live trapped inside it.
The silica structure of these sponges is studied by material scientists for its superior engineering properties.
Porifera are multicellular, pore-bearing animals lacking true tissues.
High structural strength due to the lattice arrangement of silica
Enhanced optical properties for light conduction
Fragile if subjected to direct mechanical force due to the brittle nature of silica
Biomimetic research for fiber-optic technology
Structural engineering studies for lattice frames
Calcarea sponges possess spicules made of calcium carbonate (CaCO3тАЛ).
Spongilla is a genus of freshwater sponges.
Planaria belongs to the Phylum Platyhelminthes (flatworms), not Porifera.
D is correct тАФ Euplectella is identified as the glass sponge due to its siliceous skeletal structure.
In competitive exams, always distinguish between Porifera (sponges) and Platyhelminthes (flatworms) to avoid confusion between options like Spongilla and Planaria.
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