Different types of sponges in the ocean. A. Chondrilla caribensis (encrusting), b. Aplysina archeri (tube), c. Verongula gigantea (vase), d. Xestospongia muta (barrel). Photos by Benjamin Mueller
Different types of sponges in the ocean. A. Chondrilla caribensis (encrusting), b. Aplysina archeri (tube), c. Verongula gigantea (vase), d. Xestospongia muta (barrel). Photos by Benjamin Mueller - Sponges are among the oldest creatures on Earth and play a key role in many underwater ecosystems. A new study by Niklas Kornder of the University of Amsterdam (UvA) and colleagues finds that sponges 'sneeze' to clear their water channels. With a sneeze the sponge releases a type of mucus that is eaten by other animals. The results of this study are published in Current Biology on August 10th 2022. Dating back over 650 million years ago sponges are among the oldest animals on the planet.
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