Question

‘Neptune’s cup’ sponge is
A. Proterion
B. Tethya
C. Spheciospongia
D. Hyalonema

Answer 1

Sponges are the members of phylum Porifera. Sponges are the multicellular organisms whose bodies have pores and channels. These spores and channels allow the water to circulate through them.

Complete Answer:
Sponges:
- The branch of zoology that studies sponges is called Spongiology. Sponges do not have nervous, digestive or circulatory systems.
- They rely on constant water flow through their bodies to obtain food and oxygen and remove wastes. Sponges are the firstly evolved animals.
- Calcarea, Demospongiae, Hexactinellida all three are the classes of phylum Porifera.

Neptune’s Cup Sponge:
- The scientific name of Neptune’s cup sponge is Cliona patera. It belongs to the class Demonspongiae. This sponge belongs to the family Clionidae.
- The Neptune’s cup sponge is a large sponge that has a wine glass shape and is called as the Roman god of the sea.
- The stalk of Neptune’s cup sponge is embedded in the ground with roots. Neptune’s sponge cup is a Proterion.

Additional information:
1. Tethya – Tethya is a sea sponge which belongs to the family Tethyidae and class Demonspongiae. Its common name is golf ball sponge or orange puffball sponge. These sponges are spherical in shape.
2. Spheciospongia – Spheciospongia is a genus of family Clionaidae. The common name of these sponges is loggerhead sponge.
3. Hyalonema – Hyalonema is a genus of sponge that belongs to the family Hyalonematidae and class Amphi Descosida. Its common name is glass rope sponge. They have the rounded body and twisted root tuft.

So, option A is the correct answer for this question.

Note: Sea sponges can be used in the health and beauty field. These sponges have many minute pores so they can store water.