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.
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)
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