[Campbell Biology P.740] Regarding sponges, which of the following characteristics is true? | Practice Question

Regarding sponges, which of the following characteristics is true?

  • A: Sponges are typically dioecious, meaning individuals are strictly male or female.
  • B: Amoebocytes in sponges are totipotent, allowing the sponge to change shape and adapt to environmental shifts.
  • C: Sponge larvae are sessile, settling immediately after development.
  • D: All sponges exhibit simultaneous hermaphroditism, producing sperm and eggs at the same time.

Explanation

The text states: 'Importantly, amoebocytes are totipotent capable of becoming other types of sponge cells . This gives the sponge body remarkable flexibility, enabling it to adjust its shape in response to changes in its physical environment such as the direction of water currents .' It also mentions that 'Most sponges are hermaphrodites' and 'Almost all sponges exhibit sequential hermaphroditism'. Sponge larvae are 'flagellated, swimming larvae'.