How do you identify sponge spicules as calcareous or siliceous?

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how would u know if the spicules of a spnge or calcerious or siliceous?

Also, what environmental consideration might have an influence on whether a sponge is or flattened?

Is there any relatnsiohp between the funcion of the spicules and behavirol responses?

what characteristics are important in the “building” of a large sponge and why. I know that ascon makes sycon makes leucon..but that's all i know..
 
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nemzy said:
how would u know if the spicules of a spnge or calcerious or siliceous?
You can test them in your lab.
Place a few spicules on a microscope slide in a couple drops of water. Add a coverslip and observe under a microscope.
With a micropipette, draw some dilute (8%) hydrochloric acid under the coverslip. Keep your spicules in focus and watch its response to the acid. If they are calcareous, the HCl will react with the calcium carbonate and the spicules will disappear. The Si in Siliceous sponges do not react with HCl and remain intact.