The evidence that supports the classification of sponges as animals rather than plants is that sponges cannot make their own food. This characteristic indicates that they are heterotrophic organisms, which is a defining feature of animals. While sponges also have asymmetry and lack tissues and organs, the key distinction that aligns them with animals is their inability to photosynthesize or produce their own food, which is a trait associated with plants. Additionally, the fact that they do not have a backbone does not necessarily differentiate them from all other types of organisms, as many non-animal species also lack a backbone.
Today, biologists classify sponges as animals rather than plants. What evidence supports today’s classification? (SC.912.L.15.6)
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1 point
Sponges have asymmetry.
Sponges do not have a backbone.
Sponges cannot make their own food.
Sponges do not have tissues or organs.
1 answer