Are Sponges Considered Animals?

Yes, sponges are indeed considered animals, despite their plant-like appearance and lack of obvious movement. They belong to the phylum Porifera, which is a group of primitive multicellular aquatic animals. This classification is based on their cellular structures and biological functions, which align more closely with animals than plants.

Sponges occupy a unique position in the animal kingdom. They are distinct from other animals because of their lack of organs and tissues, which is why some zoologists suggest placing them in the subkingdom Parazoa (literally, “beside animals”). However, molecular data suggests that sponges and more-complex animals share a common ancestor, indicating that sponges are genuine animals that did not give rise to further evolutionary lines.

Sponges are characterized by their simple body structure, which includes a system of canals and chambers for water circulation. This system is crucial for their survival, as it allows them to filter food and oxygen from the water. The presence of specialized flagellated cells such as choanocytes, which are responsible for generating water currents and capturing food, further supports their classification as animals.