Sponges: Time-lapse of Sponge Cells Recombining
Length:
1:03
Sponges are the only animals that if broken down to the level of their cells, can reassemble themselves.
A sponge is passed through a sieve to break apart its cells. The cells recognize each other and reform into small new sponges.
5th - 8th Grade National Standards
Standard:
Sponge cells show the first step toward complex animals. They can communicate with each other and some preform specialized functions.
Standard:
Sponges were the first organisms to be composed of specialized cells.
The original Shape of Life series was developed and produced by Sea Studios Foundation in collaboration with National Geographic and PBS with funding from the National Science Foundation among others.