Recent research conducted by scientists at the Bose Institute has highlighted the significant role of freshwater sponges in the Sundarban delta as bioindicators of toxic metal pollution. This discovery underlines the importance of these organisms in monitoring ecosystems and assessing water quality.
Freshwater sponges are considered some of the earliest multicellular eukaryotes. They play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem health by filtering large volumes of water. These organisms thrive on sturdy submerged objects in clean streams, lakes, and rivers, where they effectively filter nutrients and contaminants from the water.
These sponges typically inhabit areas with clear, flowing water. Many species exhibit a green coloration due to the presence of symbiotic algae that live within their tissues. This relationship not only provides the sponges with energy through photosynthesis but also contributes to the overall health of aquatic ecosystems.
Freshwater sponges have unique reproductive strategies. They can reproduce both sexually and asexually. Asexual reproduction occurs when a part of the sponge breaks off and develops into a new individual. Additionally, sponges produce gemmules—tiny reproductive spheres that can survive unfavorable conditions and later hatch into new sponges.
These sponges serve as effective bioindicators, absorbing toxic metals such as arsenic, lead, and cadmium from their environment. Their ability to filter and accumulate pollutants makes them valuable in bioremediation efforts, helping to restore polluted water bodies. By monitoring the health of freshwater sponge populations, scientists can gauge the quality of water in estuarine and freshwater ecosystems.
Q1. What are freshwater sponges and why are they important?
Answer: Freshwater sponges are early multicellular organisms that filter water and serve as bioindicators for monitoring ecosystem health and water quality.
Q2. How do freshwater sponges reproduce?
Answer: They can reproduce sexually and asexually, with asexual reproduction occurring when fragments of the sponge grow into new individuals.
Q3. What is the ecological role of freshwater sponges?
Answer: They act as bioindicators of pollution, absorbing toxic metals, and contribute to ecosystem health through filtration processes.
Q4. Where do freshwater sponges typically grow?
Answer: Freshwater sponges thrive in clean streams, lakes, and rivers, growing on sturdy submerged objects.
Q5. Why are freshwater sponges considered bioindicators?
Answer: Their capacity to absorb and reflect the levels of toxic metals in their environment allows them to indicate water quality and pollution levels effectively.
Question 1: What role do freshwater sponges play in aquatic ecosystems?
A) They produce oxygen
B) They absorb toxic metals
C) They decompose organic matter
D) They provide habitat for fish
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: How do freshwater sponges reproduce asexually?
A) By forming gemmules
B) By budding off
C) By fragmentation
D) By binary fission
Correct Answer: C
Question 3: Which toxic metals can freshwater sponges absorb?
A) Iron and copper
B) Arsenic and lead
C) Zinc and magnesium
D) Calcium and sodium
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: In which region are the studied freshwater sponges found?
A) Himalayas
B) Sundarban delta
C) Western Ghats
D) Indo-Gangetic Plain
Correct Answer: B
Question 5: What is a gemmule?
A) A type of algae
B) A reproductive structure
C) A feeding mechanism
D) A growth phase
Correct Answer: B
Question 6: Freshwater sponges primarily obtain food through which process?
A) Photosynthesis
B) Absorption
C) Filtration
D) Hunting
Correct Answer: C
Question 7: What is the significance of sponge coloration?
A) It indicates age
B) It reflects health
C) It shows symbiotic relationships
D) It determines size
Correct Answer: C
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