![]() These characteristics make sponges a unique animal filling niches within the aquatic environment. Unlike cnidarians and ctenophores, sponges lack a nervous system but do allow cells to move through layers and accordingly change function (Nakanishi et al. Considering sponges could be among the first multicellular animals, they are remarkable study objects with respect to evolution. 2008) can be interpreted as the sister group to the remaining animals (Nakanishi et al. However, research is needed to elucidate the potential functional role of sponges as ecosystem engineers.Īpart from the potential functional role sponges fulfill, there is also a wide debate on the phylogenetic relationship among major animal lineages yet recent research has shown through genomic data that sponges rather than the proposed comb jellies (Dunn et al. Moreover, it could be suggested that, in previously uncolonized marine environments, sponges are among the first settlers creating a three-dimensional habitat, allowing benthic ecosystem hotspots to develop. For example, the Caribbean giant barrel sponge Xestospongia muta shows a large role in the carbon transfer from the water column to the benthos (McMurray et al. Within these various habitats, sponges perform important so-called benthic-pelagic coupling, which is a crucial ecosystem service to recycle pelagic nutrients toward the benthos that would otherwise be unavailable to higher trophic levels (Griffiths et al. Habitats can range from the deep sea to turbulent freshwater canals among cities. However, apart from these iconic coral reefs, there is a multitude of habitats in which sponges thrive (Gili and Coma 1998). In fact, on Caribbean coral reefs, sponges usually show a higher diversity and higher abundance compared to corals (Diaz and Rützler 2001). They have the capacity to retain nutrients and transform them into a bio-available form back into their surrounding habitat while providing protection for motile fauna. Slowly, recognition develops that sponges are key ecosystem engineers. Yet, within these coral reefs lie a less familiar but equally important builder and energy conveyer: sponges. We have typically considered coral reefs to consist of three big ecosystem drivers: corals, algae and fish. These reefs have provided potential services to the ecosystem, among them are their services for early humans to maintain nutritional uptake. KeywordsĮver since marine research has been documented several hundreds of years ago, we usually consider coral reefs as iconic examples of biological hotspots. With all this in mind, it should be clear that even though sponges are relatively overlooked marine invertebrates, they should be studied similarly to corals and respected as a key ecosystem driver in novel and established environments. The emphasis in the proceedings has been specifically put on the role of sponges as nutrient cycler as they play a role in the three essential elements: carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorous. Furthermore, it is imperative to consider their function as habitat facilitator, nutrient cycler, and, last but not the least, their potential for future pharmaceuticals. This review will give insight into the early life history, morphology, diet, and reproduction of sponges. In formerly uninhabitable environments, sponges can potentially create biodiversity hotspots by providing habitat complexity and shelter from predators. ![]() Moreover, the survivability of sponges is demonstrated in the variety of habitats it resides in from freshwater canals to polar deep seas. By filtering both particulate and dissolved material, sponges fill a niche in nutrient cycling. This system of afferent and efferent canals is intricately linked to supply its key function as a filter feeder. Beyond its multitude of external shapes and colors, sponges hold a unique internal aquiferous system. We therefore want to take this opportunity to illustrate the diversity, functionality, and sheer survivability of these ancient animals. While sponges are the oldest still living multicellular animals on this planet and omnipresent within aquatic ecosystems, they have not been studied nearly as much compared to the recognized ecosystem drivers in coral reefs: corals, algae, and fish.
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