EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -As befits their sessile life-style and low population densities, sponges that reproduce sexually are usually hermaphroditic; that is, each individual is capable of producing both sperm and eggs, but often at different times to prevent self-fertilization.

Detailed explanation-2: -Sponges also reproduce sexually when specialized gametocyte cells produce sperm and eggs. Sponges undergo synchronous spawning and eject sperm and egg cells into the water. If gametes (sex cells; either sperm or egg) from the same species meet, they form a larval sponge.

Detailed explanation-3: -Sponges are generally hermaphroditic (that is, having male and female germ cells in one animal); however, some sponge species are sequential hermaphrodites (that is, having male and female germ cells that develop at different times in the same animal).

Detailed explanation-4: -Sponges reproduce by both asexual and sexual means. Most poriferans that reproduce by sexual means are hermaphroditic and produce eggs and sperm at different times. Sperm are frequently “broadcast” into the water column.

Detailed explanation-5: -Sponges are monoecious (hermaphroditic), which means that one individual can produce both gametes (eggs and sperm) simultaneously.