Final answer:
Phylum Porifera includes sponges, simple aquatic invertebrates without true tissues but with specialized cells and a porous body for filtering water. They possess a basic endoskeleton, and as sessile filter feeders, they rely on water movement to perform vital functions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Important Traits of Phylum Porifera
Phylum Porifera, commonly known as sponges, includes animals that are parazoans, meaning they do not form true embryonic tissues but have specialized cell types for various functions. These aquatic invertebrates have a simple body plan with a porous structure facilitating their filter-feeding mechanism. They resemble a rudimentary endoskeleton composed of spicules and spongin fibers, serving structural purposes. Sponges lack true body symmetry, and adult sponges are sessile filter feeders, living in close association with water to feed, respire, and excrete.
Sponges perform most physiological functions typical of more complex animals despite their simplicity. They pump water containing nutrients and oxygen through their porous bodies, filtering it to sustain themselves. As they are sessile, they rely on the constant flow of water for survival. Sponges are predominantly marine and dwell on coral reefs or the seafloor, proving adept for hundreds of millions of years due to their effective adaptation to their habitats.