What is the Difference Between Sponges and Coral?
Superficially, sponges and coral have a lot in common. They both just sit there underwater, filtering food particles, living in large colonies that provide habitats for other animals. Divers know that they come in many beautiful colors. But below the surface, sponges and coral are completely different. Sponges and coral come from different animal phyla, for one. Phyla is the most basic of all animal distinctions, and refers to animals with completely different body plans. Sponges are among the most simple of all animals, lacking true tissues, and deterring predators primarily by their lack of nutrition and glass-like shards found in their bodies called spicules. They are covered in little pores lined with cells equipped with flagella, which are both used to circulate water through the sponge and absorb food particles. Sponges are capable of living at any point in the ocean, from just off the shore to 8,500 m (29,000 ft) deep, or more. Sponges are members of phylum Porifera, and their a
