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Sponges, also known in scientific communities as poriferans from the combination of Latin words porus or ‘pore’, and ferre ‘to bear,’ are an animal generally found in marine waters and rarely, about one percent of their species, are known to inhabit fresh water. They proliferate in coral reefs which are perfectly fit to accommodate their lifestyle. Many species of these porous animals inhabit reefs. The sponge eats by filtering the water flowing through, which is made nutritious by the other marine life that consumes plants at its most basic ecological level. The sponges, in turn, provide shelter for fishes, shrimps, crabs, and other small animals.
Sponges are animals with extremely simple physiology. They have no muscles, nerves or internal organs. Scientists study the sponge to try to understand how animals evolved from unicellular beings to multi-cellular organisms. There are over five thousand different species types of sponges that are currently known, but it is not uncommon for a new species to be discovered. Sponges are integral to the workings of a coral reef and their presence can be felt during a Maui snuba diving trip.
