The members of the phylum Porifera are sponges. Sponges are simple multicellular organisms that contain pores which allow for the circulation of water throughout their bodies. Sponges contain few specialized cells, and do not contain a digestive system. They obtain food by filter feeding or straining food particles from water. Sponges achieve the goal of digestion through intracellular digestion where food particles are digested inside specialized cells. The cells take in the particles through phagocytosis and then digest them, expelling wastes. These cells then pass the nutrients to other cells.
Aplysina archeri (Stove Pipe Sponge) Like all other sponges, the Stove Pipe Sponge obtains its food by filter feeding and digests it through intracellular digestion. Its constant circulation of water allows for the removal of wastes.
Leucettusa lancifer (Flask Sponge) The Flask Sponge obtains its food by pulling in water through its pores and filtering out food particles. Like all sponges, the Flask Sponge digests through intracellular digestion and removes wastes through its constant circulation of water.
Euplectella aspergillium (Venus' Flower Basket) The Euplectella aspergillium obtains its food by straining water for food particles or filter feeding. The food particles are digested by intracellular digestion, and its wastes are removed by the constant circulation of water throughout the sponge.