Question

What sponges have siliceous spicules and a glass-like latticework body structure?

1) Demosponges
2) Calcarea
3) Hexactinellida
4) Homoscleromorpha

Answer 1

Sponges that feature siliceous spicules and a glass-like latticework are from the class Hexactinellida.

Step-by-step explanation:

Sponges with siliceous spicules and a glass-like latticework body structure are part of the class Hexactinellida. These glass sponges possess unique six-rayed siliceous spicules and are characterized by the absence of the mesohyl, as their body cells are usually fused together into a multinucleate syncytium. Unlike Calcarea, which produces calcium carbonate spicules and no spongin, and Demosponges which can contain spongin and possibly siliceous spicules, Hexactinellida is distinct for its intricate spicule structure. Members of this class can feature astonishingly large spicules, with some like the hexactinellid Monorhaphis chuni growing up to 3 meters long.