Sponge Videos
General Info
Role in Ecosystem
Climate
Human Interaction
Paleontology
- Image
Lesson Plan
Spectacular Simple SpongesStudents explore unique sponge adaptations through short Shape of Life videos and student-centered activities.Full Lesson Plan
- Image
Factsheet
Sponges: The TrailblazersScientists believe sponges are the oldest animal phylum. They first appeared about 600 million years ago.Download Factsheet
- Image
Reading
Sponges: Animal Eve, Where Do Organisms Come From?I'm obsessed with learning where we came from. And what I mean by that is not who your mother and father are, or your grandparents, but rather where do the organisms come from that gave rise to complex animals like us.Download Reading
Features
Creature
Sponges are Deep
Deep-sea coral and sponge reefs thrive in the depths of the cold seas around the globe. Unlike shallow, tropical coral and sponge reefs, these deep-sea coral and sponge reefs live where there’s little light, from 150 feet to more than 10,000 feet below sea level. These are the least explored places in the ocean.
Sponges are Deep
Deep-sea coral and sponge reefs thrive in the depths of the cold seas around the globe. Unlike shallow, tropical coral and sponge reefs, these deep-sea coral and sponge reefs live where there’s little light, from 150 feet to more than 10,000 feet below sea level. These are the least explored places in the ocean.
Scientist
Amanda Kahn Assistant Professor, Moss Landing Marine Laboratories- San Jose State University
Join Amanda as she shares the magnificent world of sponges and how they go to battle with the climate crisis.
Amanda Kahn Assistant Professor, Moss Landing Marine Laboratories- San Jose State University
Join Amanda as she shares the magnificent world of sponges and how they go to battle with the climate crisis.
Did You Know?
Early Multicellular Animal
We always wonder where and when animal life began. Now, scientists in Scotland have found microfossils in a primeval dry lake bed that might provide a clue.
Early Multicellular Animal
We always wonder where and when animal life began. Now, scientists in Scotland have found microfossils in a primeval dry lake bed that might provide a clue.
Shape of Life Blog
Sponges: Heroes of Coral Reefs
As sponges filter huge amounts of seawater, they and their symbionts process and release carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus, contributing to nutrient cycling on coral reefs.
Sponges: Heroes of Coral Reefs
As sponges filter huge amounts of seawater, they and their symbionts process and release carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus, contributing to nutrient cycling on coral reefs.