Difference Between Sponges And Corals
Sponges and the corals belong to two different phylas. Sponges are the phylum Porifera and corals belong to phylum Cnidaria. Body of fungi lack true tissues and has a hard protrusion called spicules. Minute pores are found throughout the body, and these holes are lined with flagellated cells. This flag would help the organism to take up water and food particles through the pores. As the water circulating through the body tissues absorb food particles and eject excess water through the pores. The oxygen needed for energy is also absorbed through the pores of the body.
Corals have different levels of tissue and live in large colonies, but looks like a single organism. The body of the polyps and has many tentacles. Organism uses these tentacles to sting prey or opponent. Corals are symbiotic in nature and rely on symbiotic algae for food. These algae, in turn, give the coral color. A colony of coral reefs are found in shallow water and require sunlight.
Sponges as well as corals survive under water and feed within the water. These organisms thrive in huge colonies and are found in various colors. These can be multicellular with varying life cycles. Although sponges survive in very deep water, the coral does not require deep water.
Sponges need to survive on food from the water which is the most microscopic organisms. The inhalant and exhalant pore inlet and outlet of water is different. Sponges have a sponge unique feature measures in the cells can be changed if necessary. This function is called Totipotency.
Calcium carbonate is the main component of coral reef. The body of Coral has a radial symmetry and has no internal organs. Tentacles on the body have stinging cells called nematocysts. Different types of corals found in the sea. Some of the most common are sea pens, black corals, sea fans, staghorn corals, clubbed finger coral and soft coral. Some corals are dependent on algae for food, while others feed on plankton from the sea. Coral reefs are often used in the production and development of pharmaceuticals and other industrial applications. Great Barrier Reef off Queensland, Australia consists of coral and is one of the most famous things to learn now.