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Multiple Choice
Sponges feed by __________.
A
scraping bacteria and algae from hard substrates
B
paralyzing small crustaceans with stinging cells
C
absorbing nutrients from the guts of their hosts
D
performing photosynthesis
E
filtering small particles from water
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that sponges are simple aquatic animals that belong to the phylum Porifera.
Recognize that sponges are filter feeders, meaning they obtain their food by filtering small particles from water.
Identify the structure called 'choanocytes' or collar cells in sponges, which have flagella that create water currents to draw water through the sponge's body.
Note that as water flows through the sponge, food particles such as bacteria and plankton are trapped and ingested by the choanocytes.
Conclude that the correct feeding mechanism for sponges is filtering small particles from water, as opposed to the other options provided.