Sponges & Spicules: Determining Calcerious or Siliceous & Environmental Effects

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SUMMARY

To determine whether sponge spicules are calcareous or siliceous, one can perform a laboratory test using dilute hydrochloric acid (8%). Calcareous spicules, composed of calcium carbonate, will dissolve upon contact with HCl, while siliceous spicules will remain intact. Environmental factors can influence sponge morphology, including their flattened shape. Understanding the relationship between spicule function and behavioral responses is crucial for studying sponge biology and ecology.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic knowledge of sponge anatomy and classification
  • Familiarity with laboratory techniques for observing microscopic specimens
  • Understanding of chemical reactions involving hydrochloric acid
  • Knowledge of sponge environmental adaptations
NEXT STEPS
  • Research laboratory methods for identifying sponge spicule composition
  • Explore the ecological roles of calcareous and siliceous sponges
  • Study the impact of environmental factors on sponge morphology
  • Investigate the relationship between spicule structure and sponge behavior
USEFUL FOR

Marine biologists, ecologists, and students studying sponge biology and environmental adaptations will benefit from this discussion.

nemzy
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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.
 

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