Final answer:
Sea squirts can be distinguished from sponges based on their body structure, movement, and reproduction. Sponges have a porous body, are sessile, and are hermaphroditic. Sea squirts have a siphon-like structure, can move by contracting and expanding, and have separate sexes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sponges and sea squirts are both aquatic animals, but they belong to different phyla. Sponges are classified in the phylum Porifera, while sea squirts are classified in the phylum Chordata. There are several ways to distinguish between the two:
- Body structure: Sponges have a porous body with small openings called ostia and a larger opening called the osculum. Sea squirts, on the other hand, have a more complex body with a siphon-like structure and a central cavity.
- Movement: Sponges are sessile, meaning they are attached to a substrate and do not move. Sea squirts, although also typically attached, can move by contracting and expanding their bodies.
- Reproduction: Sponges are hermaphroditic, producing both eggs and sperm. Sea squirts have separate sexes, with males and females releasing their gametes into the water for external fertilization.